Federal judge blocks Trump administration’s dismantling of U.S. Institute of Peace

A federal judge has put a stop to the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Institute of Peace, ruling that the actions taken by the administration were “null and void.” The judge, Beryl Howell, stated that the removal of the Institute’s board members and the takeover of its headquarters by members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) were unlawful.

The U.S. Institute of Peace, established in 1984 under the Reagan administration, is an independent institution funded by Congress to promote peace and diplomacy on the international stage. Congress has consistently supported the Institute’s work through appropriations bills signed by multiple presidents from both major political parties.

However, in a surprising turn of events, President Trump unilaterally decided that the Institute of Peace was “unnecessary” during his second term in office. This led to Executive Order 14217, which aimed to reduce the Institute’s operations and personnel to the bare minimum required by law. The administration swiftly moved to remove board members, replace the president with officials affiliated with DOGE, terminate staff, and transfer Institute property to the General Services Administration.

Judge Howell’s ruling declared these actions a “gross usurpation of power” and criticized the administration for traumatizing the Institute’s leadership and employees. The judge emphasized that Congress’s restrictions on the president’s removal power of USIP board members are constitutional, and the administration’s actions were unlawful and must be declared null and void.

The Trump administration has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with accusations of gutting the Institute of Peace of “rogue bureaucrats.” The White House has defended its actions, stating that the administration will enforce the president’s executive authority and ensure that agencies remain accountable to the American people.

The administration now has 30 days to file an appeal to the ruling. Despite the ongoing legal battle, the future of the U.S. Institute of Peace remains uncertain. The Institute’s employees and supporters have celebrated the judge’s decision, hopeful that their vital work in promoting peace and conflict resolution will continue unabated.

In conclusion, the ruling by Judge Howell serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the separation of powers. The fate of the U.S. Institute of Peace hangs in the balance, as the legal battle between the administration and the Institute continues to unfold.