In a stunning move, a federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s effort to overhaul the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), a taxpayer-funded agency long criticized for wasting millions on ineffective foreign diplomacy projects.
Judge Sides Against Trump Administration Reforms
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled Monday that leadership changes made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under Trump’s direction, were “unlawful.” The judge claimed that the officials leading the effort to cut back the bloated institute were “illegitimately-installed” and had no legal authority.
Howell’s decision voids the removal of the USIP president, cancels the transfer of federal property, and reverses staffing cuts—all of which were intended to rein in spending and restore accountability.
Taxpayer-Funded Agency Under Fire
The U.S. Institute of Peace was created during the Reagan administration with noble intentions. But in recent decades, it has become a bloated bureaucracy, draining over $50 million a year in taxpayer funds with little to show for it.
President Trump’s administration had moved to scale it back drastically, pointing to its repeated failures to deliver results.
“Peace Institute Has Wasted Millions,” Says White House
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly slammed the judge’s decision, calling it a blatant attack on executive authority.
“This institute has wasted millions for 40 years with no real accomplishments. President Trump is right to cut it back to its legal minimum. This rogue judge’s ruling is a clear case of judicial overreach.”
Police-Led Takeover Triggered Legal Battle
The ruling stems from a March incident where DOGE officials, with support from law enforcement, took control of the USIP building in Washington, D.C. The temporary leadership issued pink slips to most of the staff as part of a sweeping efficiency reform.
Critics on the Left called it an “invasion.” Conservatives called it long-overdue government accountability.
Judge Blocks Further Reform – For Now
In her ruling, Judge Howell reinstated acting president George Moose and prohibited further interference from federal officials. She framed the Institute as a “unique entity” that exists outside of typical executive authority—a claim many constitutional scholars dispute.
Is This Another Liberal Judge Protecting the Deep State?
Conservatives argue this is yet another example of activist judges shielding bloated, unaccountable agencies from much-needed reform. Trump allies say the decision reflects Washington’s obsession with preserving the status quo—even when it costs taxpayers millions.
What Happens Next?
The Trump administration is expected to appeal the decision, potentially setting the stage for a showdown at the Supreme Court. For now, the U.S. Institute of Peace remains open—funded by your tax dollars and protected by a single judge’s controversial ruling.