A U.S. federal court allowed the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to maintain possession of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) headquarters building, valued at $500 million.
Background of the Conflict
The dispute over the USIP building erupted after the Trump administration dismissed all 10 voting board members of the institute on March 14. Although USIP staff denied DOGE employees access to the headquarters, a former security contractor's key allowed entry.
Court's Ruling
Judge Howell noted that the building's transfer has already occurred, and challenging it now would be ineffective. DOGE has managed the building since advisers transitioned from Kenneth Jackson to the current president, Nate Cavanaugh.
Next Steps
Although Judge Howell sees no need to block fund transfers, USIP's status as a fully independent organization remains unresolved. DOGE asserts it is a government-owned corporation while USIP advocates point to its independent status under the 1984 Act.
The situation remains unresolved as legal proceedings continue. Court rulings could have significant implications for USIP's future status.
