A dramatic showdown between federal law enforcement and U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) officials has culminated in a significant legal challenge to President Trump's executive authority.

According to Breitbart, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled on Monday that the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) forceful takeover and subsequent gutting of USIP was conducted without proper legal authority.

The ruling comes after President Trump's controversial Executive Order 14217, issued in February 2025, declared USIP "unnecessary" and initiated a series of aggressive actions to minimize the organization's operations. DOGE officials, backed by law enforcement from three separate agencies, forcibly entered USIP headquarters and proceeded with mass staff terminations.

Executive overreach sparks constitutional crisis

Judge Howell's decision highlighted the Trump administration's failure to follow proper legislative channels. Instead of seeking congressional approval or recommending new legislation, the administration opted for what the judge described as "blunt force" tactics to implement its agenda.

The takeover occurred despite warnings that USIP, established by Congress in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan's administration, operates independently from the executive branch. Legal experts emphasize this distinction as crucial to the organization's intended function.

DOGE's actions resulted in widespread staff dismissals and the controversial replacement of USIP's leadership with officials aligned with the efficiency department's goals.

Dramatic confrontation leads to legal challenge

The conflict reached its peak when acting USIP president George Moose reported that DOGE had "broken into our building." Law enforcement assistance enabled DOGE officials to seize control of the premises, leading to extensive layoffs.

Judge Howell's ruling specifically addressed the legitimacy of leadership changes, determining that USIP's president's removal and replacement with DOGE-affiliated officials were executed by "illegitimately-installed leaders" lacking proper authority.

The court's decision ensures that George Moose will continue serving as acting president, effectively nullifying the administration's attempted leadership changes.

Constitutional obligations versus executive action

Judge Howell emphasized the president's constitutional obligations in her ruling. She noted that Trump's administration had two legitimate options: either faithfully execute existing law or recommend new measures to Congress.

According to the court documents, Howell stated the administration chose neither path:

The unilateral actions were taken without asking Congress to cease or reprogram appropriations or by recommending that Congress enact a new law to dissolve or reduce the Institute or transfer its tasks to another entity, despite the President's constitutional duties either to 'take care' of 'faithfully execut[ing]' the law, U.S. CONST. art. II § 3, cl. 4, or to 'recommend to [Congress's] Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient,' id., cl. 1.

The ruling particularly criticized the administration's dismissal of congressional judgment, noting that every Congress since USIP's creation had continued to support and fund the organization.

USIP battle outcome

The federal court's ruling marks a significant setback for President Trump's efforts to streamline government operations through DOGE. Judge Howell's decision effectively blocks the administration's attempts to dismantle USIP through executive action alone.

The case highlights the ongoing tension between executive authority and congressional oversight, particularly regarding independent institutions established by legislative action.

As USIP prepares to restore its operations under Moose's continued leadership, questions remain about potential appeals or alternative approaches the administration might pursue to achieve its efficiency goals.