WASHINGTON — A significant number of employees at the U.S. Institute of Peace received email notifications regarding their mass termination, marking another instance of government downsizing under the current administration.
According to sources familiar with the circumstances, the emails were sent to personal accounts around 9 p.m. on Friday, as most staff members no longer had access to the organization’s internal system.
A former senior official revealed that a few human resources staff members and some overseas employees were not included in the layoffs. Those overseas employees have until April 9 to return to the United States. The institute, which employs approximately 300 individuals, retained some regional vice presidents who will assist staff in their transition back.
Previously, an executive order from the President targeted the institute and three other agencies for closure. Subsequently, board members and the institute’s president were dismissed. Tensions escalated as employees blocked members of the Department of Government Efficiency from entering the institute’s headquarters near the State Department, leading to police involvement.
Legal battles followed, with U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell criticizing the conduct of DOGE representatives but ultimately denying reinstatement of board members or allowing employees back into the workspace.
A spokesperson for the White House commented that the institute “has failed to deliver peace” and reiterated the administration’s commitment to eliminating inefficiencies and saving taxpayer dollars.
A message to employees indicated that their employment would conclude as of Friday. Correspondence also noted that the terminations were executed at the direction of the President.
Staff members were instructed to vacate their workspaces by April 7.
George Foote, a former institute lawyer who was also let go, stated that legal consultations were ongoing to determine potential actions, clarifying that affected employees would need to initiate separate legal proceedings as they are not included in the current lawsuit.
