DOGE staffer storms US Institute of Peace, CEO calls it 'illegal takeover'

A standoff occurred at the US Institute of Peace (USIP) on Monday when Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) tried to take over the organization. The government officials' standoff with activists soon escalated into a tense dispute.

The US Institute of Peace, which was founded by Congress in 1984, has been devoted for years to preventing and resolving conflicts around the world. With a purpose to educate peace negotiators, collaborate with international partners, and consult the US government, it functions as an autonomous nonprofit, not subject to executive branch control.

However, the institution was at the center of controversy on Monday when Elon Musk's team, following President Trump's directive, began dismantling the agency.

The battle began once Musk's team reached the headquarters of the institute in Washington, D.C. According to NY Times, they attempted to forcibly take out officials and occupy the building.

The mood became tense when the organisation's CEO, George Moose, said the takeover was illegal. "DOGE has broken into our building," he said. "This is an illegal takeover by elements of the executive branch," Moose added. In his view, the institute is a private nonprofit organisation and cannot be taken over by the government in such a manner.

What is the reason behind standoff?

The controversy shows the larger conflict between those who aim to reduce government programs and those who think that they are important. Musk's staff, part of the Department of Government Efficiency, had been advocating for the closure of the institute.

They referenced an executive order signed by President Trump in February, where he sought to eliminate some government agencies. The USIP was among four entities targeted for reduction or elimination.

USIP managers did not intend to go down without a battle. They claimed that they were abiding by the law to go against DOGE's move to take control. The White House had written a letter to the majority of the institute's board members, notifying them of their removal, reported NY Times. USIP managers, including the remaining board members, rejected these modifications, claiming that they did not have any legal basis for making such decisions.

The fight intensified as DOGE officials appeared several times during the weekend to attempt to seize control. On Friday, they came with FBI agents to oust the institute's acting president. On Sunday, they threatened criminal investigation when the institute defied their requests for access to its records.

By Monday, things had come to a boil. Musk's people pulled up to the USIP building in a black SUV, escorted by private security. Two institute lawyers showed up for a tense confrontation.

The lawyers attempted to speak to Musk's representatives, but the matter was still unresolved. The standoff went on, with each side insisting on their will. However, negotiations did not reach any conclusion.

DOGE officials accessed the building after having been rejected on several failed attempts on Monday, AP reported. But it was not clear what DOGE officials were searching for.