Federal Judge Denies TRO Against DOGE’s Takeover of U.S. Institute of Peace
In yet another power struggle between the Trump administration and Washington’s entrenched bureaucrats, a federal judge on Wednesday denied a temporary restraining order (TRO) aimed at stopping the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from taking control of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP).
The ruling, delivered by Judge Beryl Howell, an Obama-appointed judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, marks a legal victory for President Trump’s efforts to streamline and restructure government agencies. However, the judge didn’t hold back from criticizing the manner in which DOGE removed USIP officials from their positions—including its now-former president, George Moose, who barricaded himself inside the building in defiance of his termination.
The Standoff at USIP: DOGE vs. Bureaucratic Holdouts
The controversy erupted when DOGE attempted to enforce Trump’s executive order that reduced the USIP to its “statutory minimum”, essentially stripping it of funding and revoking unnecessary bureaucratic positions.
George Moose, a longtime Clinton-era official, refused to accept the executive order and attempted to retain control over the agency. When DOGE officials arrived on Monday to carry out the order, Moose and other staff members reportedly refused to vacate the premises, leading to a dramatic standoff.
🚨 DOGE was forced to call law enforcement after Moose denied entry to Acting USIP President Kenneth Jackson, who had been lawfully appointed by the board following Trump’s order.
📹 WATCH: Footage shows D.C. police escorting Moose out of the building after his refusal to comply.
Department of Government Efficiency Statement
MPD officers entered the building and, after brief discussions, escorted Moose and his staff out without incident. Despite the peaceful resolution, the USIP board immediately filed a lawsuit to stop the takeover, leading to Wednesday’s court hearing.
Judge Howell: Offended but Unwilling to Block Trump’s Order
During the hearing, Judge Beryl Howell rejected USIP’s request for an emergency TRO, effectively allowing DOGE to continue its takeover of the agency. However, she scolded DOGE officials for what she deemed an “offensive” approach to dealing with longtime government personnel.
🗣️ Judge Howell to DOJ attorney Brian Hudak:
“Are you the least bit offended by how this was executed, Mr. Hudak? I have to say, I’m offended on behalf of the American citizens who have done so much, as I just said, with Mr. Moose himself, so much service to this country to be treated so abominably.”
In response, Hudak shut down the judge’s complaint with simple logic:
“If I’m fired and I decide to barricade myself into the U.S. attorney’s office… I’m assuming some of my colleagues would say, ‘Brian, what are you doing? Here’s your termination letter, you need to leave.’ I’m assuming it would escalate from there… I’m assuming the police would be called.”
Despite her emotional criticisms, Judge Howell ultimately acknowledged that Trump’s executive order was legally questionable but likely within his authority. She agreed to expedite the case, but for now, DOGE remains in control of USIP.
The Bigger Picture: Draining the Bureaucratic Swamp
The U.S. Institute of Peace was established in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan but has long been criticized as an ineffective bureaucracy bloated with political appointees. Under President Trump’s executive order, USIP was reduced to its core legal mandate, stripping away unnecessary positions and restructuring its leadership.
🚨 This move is part of a broader DOGE initiative to remove entrenched bureaucrats and eliminate wasteful spending across the federal government.
🔎 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
✅ Judge Howell denied the TRO, allowing DOGE’s takeover of USIP to proceed.
✅ Howell criticized DOGE’s handling of the transition but admitted Trump likely has the authority to act.
✅ DOGE is aggressively moving forward with its restructuring plans despite resistance from entrenched bureaucrats.
With Trump’s second term well underway, expect more battles like this as his administration continues its historic efforts to dismantle Washington’s administrative state. Stay tuned—this fight is far from over.
