Trump Administration Fires US Institute of Peace Board

The Trump administration, led by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has removed most of the board members of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) and ousted its president, George Moose, amid a controversial restructuring initiative. This move, executed on March 17, follows a February 19 executive order from President Trump targeting organizations involved in foreign assistance. Law enforcement was involved as DOGE staff attempted to gain access to the USIP headquarters, which is a congressionally funded independent nonprofit, prompting allegations of an illegal takeover from Moose and USIP officials. The three remaining board members—Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Defense University President Peter Garvin—justified the firings by citing noncompliance with the executive order. The upheaval highlights the growing tensions surrounding federal agencies historically seen as independent, with legal challenges anticipated regarding the actions taken against USIP. Moose has vowed to contest the legitimacy of the takeover, asserting the institute's independence under its congressional charter.