The U.S. Institute of Peace, a nonprofit think tank dedicated to promoting peace and preventing conflict, was ordered to be downsized by President Trump. Musk’s team was involved in executing the plan, leading to the deposition of its leadership before a court battle resulted in their reinstatement. This action is seen as an authoritarian attempt to undermine institutions that promote democratic and peace-oriented values.

USIP leaders regained control of their headquarters following a federal judge ruling that declared the Trump administration and DOGE-led takeover unlawful, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to democratic legitimacy.

A federal judge on May 19, 2025, ruled that Trump's administration efforts to dismantle the U.S. Institute of Peace were illegal. The ruling came after controversial actions, including the unauthorized takeover of the headquarters by DOGE officials, mass layoffs, and the termination of board members and management, which undermined the institute's long-standing mandate to promote peace and prevent conflict.

A federal judge halted the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle the U.S. Institute of Peace by ruling the takeover and board firings illegal, thereby preserving the institute’s independent, congressionally mandated role in promoting peace.

On May 19, 2025, a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration exceeded its authority by dismantling the board of the U.S. Institute of Peace, thereby safeguarding the institute's independent status as established by Congress.

USIP, a government-funded think tank established by Congress, has abruptly terminated nearly all of its US-based employees and is planning to fire its overseas staff. This move comes amid a legal battle and an ongoing takeover by the DOGE group led by Elon Musk under directives from the Trump administration, raising alarms over labor rights and political interference in the institution's governance.

On March 29, 2025, the U.S. Institute of Peace issued immediate termination letters to a number of employees amid a dramatic standoff involving political interference. The layoffs, which included clauses waiving the right to pursue legal action, occurred in the context of a broader takeover attempt by DOGE-affiliated operatives supported by the Trump administration. Concurrently, a politically connected figure was installed as acting leader following the dismissal of most board members.

The U.S. Institute of Peace, historically a peace-promoting think tank, was subject to mass firings following an executive order by President Trump and actions by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. The shutdown of the organization, which involved the dismissal of board members and staff, reflects political interference coupled with poor labor practices.

The U.S. Institute of Peace laid off nearly all of its employees effective immediately, an action occurring amid legal battles and political pressure from the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk. The mass termination has raised concerns over the institute’s treatment of its dedicated staff and has intensified ongoing litigation aimed at halting the administration’s attempt to dismantle the organization's leadership.

USIP staff received abrupt termination notices effective March 28, 2025, amid a broader effort by the Trump administration to freeze funding and dismantle the institute. In response, USIP leadership has initiated legal action to challenge the takeover, reflecting internal conflict as the organization is pressured to cut staff while fighting authoritarian interference.

Following the Trump administration’s firing of most of its board and the installation of a new leader, the U.S. Institute of Peace is mobilizing legal action and reaffirming its independent status. The organization, which was created by Congress to promote peace, faces an executive onslaught that appears aimed at curbing foreign assistance and reducing federal influence over nonprofit entities.