US think tank sues Trump administration after firings and DOGE staff entry into headquarters

The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) and several of its board members have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, aiming to block their removal and prevent Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from seizing control of the organization’s building and systems.

Filed late Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Washington, the complaint details escalating tensions as USIP staff reportedly called law enforcement in a bid to stop DOGE officials and Trump administration representatives from gaining access to the institute’s headquarters, located near the State Department.

Trump’s executive order targets multiple agencies

An executive order signed by Trump last month mandated significant cuts to the institute and three other federal agencies.

Founded in 1984 and funded by Congress, the think tank focuses on conflict prevention and resolution. Its board members are presidential appointees confirmed by the Senate.

The lawsuit alleges that the White House carried out illegal firings via email and accuses Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Defense University President Peter Garvin of unlawfully removing the institute’s president, George Moose.

In his place, the three officials appointed Kenneth Jackson, an administrator with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), according to the lawsuit.

DOGE staff gained entry with police assistance

The lawsuit states that DOGE staff made multiple attempts to access the building on Monday before successfully entering—partially with police assistance.

The institute’s legal counsel informed DOGE representatives several times that the executive branch lacks authority over the independent nonprofit.

The White House has not yet responded to the lawsuit.

Legal battle over Trump administration’s agency cuts

This lawsuit is the latest legal challenge to the Trump administration’s push to reduce federal agencies, cut foreign aid programs, and assert control over congressional entities.

A federal judge ruled Tuesday that recent cuts to USAID likely violated the Constitution and blocked DOGE staff from making further reductions.

Other agencies take legal action

Leaders of two additional agencies affected by Trump’s February executive order—the Inter-American Foundation, which funds businesses in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the U.S. African Development Foundation, which supports African small businesses—have also sued the administration to halt staff removals and contract cancellations.

A federal judge ruled last week that eliminating most contracts and staff from the U.S.-Africa foundation was legal, but ordered the government to ensure DOGE staff maintains the agency’s minimum required operations.

White House defends DOGE’s authority

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly responded to the U.S.-Africa Foundation lawsuit, stating:

“Entitled, rogue bureaucrats have no authority to defy President Trump’s executive orders or physically bar his representatives from entering the agencies they run.”

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