In a significant legal development, a federal judge ruled that former President Donald Trump did not have the constitutional authority to dismiss staff and terminate programmatic activities at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). Judge Beryl Howell determined that the Trump Administration’s actions contravened the for-cause removal provision outlined in Section 4605(f) of the USIP Act. The ruling stemmed from the case of United States Institute of Peace v. Jackson, in which Judge Howell described the administration’s conduct as a “gross usurpation of power” (view ruling).
The controversy originated from Executive Order 14217, titled “Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy,” issued on February 19, 2025. This order aimed to reduce the operational presence of various organizations, including USIP, to the minimum function required by law. In compliance with this order, officials from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) attempted to gain access to USIP offices, a move initially resisted by the then-acting president George Moose. Although USIP failed to secure a temporary restraining order (TRO) against these actions, the legal proceedings continued (DOGE access attempt).
The court ultimately rejected both parties’ assertions regarding USIP’s status. While acknowledging that USIP is part of the federal government, it clarified that the institute does not belong to the executive branch. As such, its activities do not fall under the President’s Article II powers concerning the removal of board members. Judge Howell reinstated George Moose as USIP President and declared the board terminations invalid, providing a legal victory for USIP (summary judgment).
USIP, founded by a Congressional Act in 1984, aims to foster peace and conflict resolution worldwide without violence. The institution remains a critical non-executive entity in the pursuit of international peace and security. For more detailed coverage, please refer to the article on JURIST.