Recent court documents reveal significant turmoil at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), a Congressionally funded think tank. The acting president, affiliated with the DOGE organization, has initiated a process to transfer USIP’s headquarters, valued at approximately $500 million, to the General Services Administration (GSA) at no cost.

Background of the Conflict

Conflict within USIP intensified following the dismissal of the agency’s ten voting board members by the Trump administration on March 14. This action led to staff from DOGE attempting to enter the premises after being denied access. Reports indicate that DOGE employees utilized a physical key acquired from a former security contractor to gain entry just days later.

This takeover culminated with Kenneth Jackson, a former State Department official, being named president of USIP, while the majority of USIP staff received termination notices by March 29.

Legal Implications

A lawsuit has emerged from former USIP officials against Kenneth Jackson, DOGE, and members of the Trump administration. The complaint seeks urgent action to halt what they describe as an “unlawful dismantling” of the institute. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell recently dismissed the request for an immediate restraining order against the changes but expressed strong criticism of the DOGE takeover in court.

New court filings show that DOGE staffer Nate Cavanaugh has taken over as the acting president of USIP. He has been tasked with transferring USIP’s real estate assets to the GSA, a maneuver reportedly approved by key Trump administration officials.

Details of the Proposed Transfer

In a letter to the GSA acting administrator Stephen Ehikian, Cavanaugh stated, “I have concluded that it is in the best interest of USIP, the federal government, and the United States for USIP to transfer its real property located at 2301 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20037, to GSA.” His communication also requests an exemption from the usual reimbursement requirements associated with such transfers.

The estimated fair market value for the headquarters is around $500 million, highlighting the financial implications of the transaction.

Responses and Ongoing Proceedings

George Foote, a former general counsel for USIP, commented on the situation, stating, “The effort to transfer the building to GSA is part of the DOGE playbook to run agencies through a wood chipper.”

In response to the proposed asset transfer, lawyers representing former USIP staff have filed motions to prevent such actions. Government lawyers argue that the agency, under an executive order, has the authority to transfer its excess property as needed.

Judge Howell is set to rule on the asset transfer issue shortly, with broader implications for the future of USIP expected to unfold later this month.