The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), a government-supported think tank, has laid off nearly all U.S.-based employees amid escalating tensions surrounding its future. The organization is also planning to terminate its remaining overseas employees, intensifying an ongoing legal dispute regarding the authority of President Trump to dismantle institutions created by Congress.
This drastic move follows a federal judge’s recent decision not to impede the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, from assuming control over USIP.
Beginning around 9 p.m. last Friday, termination notices were distributed to over 200 USIP employees, with immediate effect. Sources indicate that employees received a confidential severance offer, which included two to four weeks’ pay in exchange for waiving their rights to any legal claims against the organization.
Staff were instructed to schedule 15-minute slots to retrieve their personal belongings from USIP’s Washington, D.C. office. Additionally, many international employees and contractors received notifications to relocate to a “safe” location by April 9, after which similar termination notices are expected.
Seven former board members of USIP are currently pursuing legal action against Trump administration officials, citing allegations of unlawful takeover.
“The abrupt termination of USIP employees raises serious ethical concerns,” stated an attorney representing the ousted board members, emphasizing ongoing efforts to counteract the alleged unlawful dismantling of the think tank.
Further court proceedings related to the ongoing lawsuit are scheduled for April.
A Think Tank Under Siege
In February, President Trump initiated plans to shut down USIP as a part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing the size of the federal government.
USIP management quickly began preparing for potential forced closures, drawing insights from prior actions taken by DOGE against other agencies.
The think tank’s IT staff implemented measures to safeguard their data, offering cybersecurity training to employees in anticipation of possible breaches by the Trump administration.
On March 17, DOGE representatives forcibly entered the USIP building after obtaining a key from a previous security contractor, with assistance from law enforcement.
During this incident, employees noticed disruptions in their Microsoft software services, indicating attempts by USIP’s cybersecurity measures to thwart unauthorized access.
DOGE representatives enlisted the help of a former IT employee in circumventing USIP’s cybersecurity protocols to gain full control over the organization’s systems.
Many employees were working remotely when the final termination letters were dispatched to their personal email accounts, as they had been unable to access their work systems since DOGE’s intervention.
Examining Executive Authority
Central to the USIP controversy is the debate over whether the think tank falls under the executive branch’s jurisdiction. A recent court hearing highlighted the ambiguity regarding USIP’s status.
Established by Congress in 1984 following a nuclear crisis with the Soviet Union, USIP aims to foster scholarship and policy expertise dedicated to peace-building, frequently advising policymakers on foreign affairs and national security.
As a private nonprofit, USIP’s employees are not classified as federal workers, distinguishing it from other agencies targeted for budget cuts. The organization boasts an endowment close to $80 million, including assets funded through private donations.
While the president has the authority to appoint and remove USIP board members, such actions typically require the consent of existing board members or approval from congressional subcommittees.
This situation raises critical questions regarding the limits of executive power and the potential implications for federally funded institutions.
