Federal Judge Issues Crucial Ruling For DOGE

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell declined to issue a temporary restraining order against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, allowing its continued control over the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP). The ruling comes amid escalating tensions following DOGE’s forceful entry into USIP’s headquarters.

Established by Congress in 1984, USIP functions as an independent, nonpartisan institution dedicated to preventing and resolving international conflicts. Funded by congressional appropriations, its mission is to promote global peace and stability.

In February, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aiming to streamline government operations, which included directives to reduce the size of entities like USIP. Subsequently, DOGE, under Musk’s leadership, was tasked with implementing these efficiency measures across various federal agencies.

The situation escalated on Monday when DOGE personnel, accompanied by armed law enforcement officers, entered USIP’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. They removed the institute’s president, George Moose, and several staff members, asserting authority granted by the executive order.

USIP officials described this action as a “literal trespass and takeover by force,” alleging that DOGE staff accessed sensitive computer systems and disrupted the institute’s operations per Reuters.

Senior Judge Beryl A. Howell

Afterward, five ousted USIP board members, along with the organization itself, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the Trump administration. The lawsuit sought an emergency order to block DOJ’s actions and reinstate the removed officials, alleging an unlawful attempt to dismantle the organization.

The complaint centered on an executive order issued by President Trump on February 19, aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy. The order declared USIP “unnecessary” and sought to cut its operations.

The lawsuit claimed the actions violated federal law, arguing that USIP is an independent nonprofit created by Congress in 1984 and that the board members’ removal was illegal.

Plaintiffs also alleged that officials from the newly created “U.S. DOJ Service” physically occupied USIP’s offices and attempted to take control of its infrastructure. The lawsuit asserted that the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the institute exceeded executive authority and violated the separation of powers.

Washington, DC, USA – June 24, 2022: Front view of the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington DC, an American federal institution tasked with promoting conflict resolution and prevention, at night.

During the hearing, Judge Howell condemned DOGE’s tactics, calling the use of armed law enforcement “abominable.” She added, “I have to say I am offended on behalf of the American citizens,” and criticized the treatment of USIP staff as “abominable.”

Despite her criticisms, Judge Howell denied the request for a temporary restraining order, citing procedural issues within the lawsuit and questioning the plaintiffs’ likelihood of success on the merits. She noted that the complaint was “messy” and highlighted the absence of the ousted president as a plaintiff, which complicated the legal standing of the case.

“Rogue bureaucrats will not be allowed to hold agencies hostage,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly. “The Trump administration will enforce the President’s executive authority and ensure his agencies remain accountable to the American people.”

The court has scheduled further hearings to examine the underlying issues, including the legality of the board members’ removal and the extent of the executive branch’s authority over independent institutions like USIP.