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State Department Renames U.S. Institute of Peace for Trump as Building Hosts CongoRwanda Signing

The rebrand lands during an unresolved court fight over the administration’s takeover of the congressionally created institute.

Overview

  • The State Department unveiled the “Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace,” installing the president’s name on the Washington headquarters.
  • The building served as the backdrop Thursday for a U.S.-brokered agreement between Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame.
  • A federal judge earlier found the takeover unlawful, but the D.C. Circuit stayed that ruling and said the government is likely to succeed on executive‑power claims.
  • Control of the headquarters sits with the General Services Administration after DOGE removed the board and staff and attempted forcible entry with police in March.
  • The White House praised the move and criticized USIP’s record, while former institute counsel George Foote condemned the rebrand as litigation continues and the administration seeks to cut USIP funding.