Trump Administration Finalizes Mass Layoffs at U.S. Institute of Peace

The majority of USIP employees were terminated via email as the organization moves closer to closure under a contentious restructuring effort led by DOGE and Elon Musk.

On March 28, 2025, the majority of U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) staff were terminated effective immediately via email notifications.
The Trump administration, through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, is dismantling the congressionally funded nonprofit established in 1984.
A small group of employees remains to assist with shutting down operations, including closing overseas offices, but they are also expected to be terminated soon.
Earlier in March, a U.S. District Court denied a temporary restraining order sought by USIP staff to halt the administration’s actions, allowing the restructuring to proceed.
The administration replaced USIP’s board with appointees including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, intensifying debates over the independence of federally funded nonprofits.