#USIP

[onlytiktoks]

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Noah Berlatsky at Public Notice:

Last week, billionaire and onetime unofficial co-president Elon Musk ended his tenure as a special government employee after four months of spreading chaos, misery, and death throughout the federal government and world. Much reporting has attributed his departure to philosophical differences with President Trump. Musk has criticized various Trump policies, most recently the House GOP spending bill for adding trillions to the federal deficit. But a crucial factor in Musk’s departure has been the grassroots protest that has damaged Musk’s businesses and helped destroy his popularity. Musk remains very powerful and may well continue to serve in an advisory role for Trump even if he’s more behind the scenes. But his retreat and obvious wish to distance himself from a government role he initially relished demonstrates that organized resistance can damage even the wealthiest man on earth.

Opposing Musk

Musk spent some $250 million on Trump’s campaign in 2024. As a quid pro quo, he was put in charge of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with a remit to cut federal spending and line his pockets by hoovering up even more lucrative government contracts for his companies. Though DOGE has no real authority from Congress, its personnel — mostly Musk’s employees and loyalists who go by monikers like “Big Balls” — were given sweeping (and unconstitutional) permission by Trump to freeze congressionally appropriated funds. DOGE is believed to have fired more than 200,000 federal employees.

As one example of its overreach, DOGE recklessly cut resources at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, gutting US forecasting abilities, with possibly devastating consequences for predicting future weather emergencies. More, last week one researcher discovered that DOGE’s cuts to USAID have probably already killed 300,000 people, most of them children. An estimate by Nature suggests that DOGE cuts to foreign aid could kill 21 million people over 15 years. Even if you set aside the horrific death toll and judge DOGE strictly on its own supposed goals, it seems likely that the whole lawless, cruel exercise will cost more than it saved. There have been numerous lawsuits to attempt to stop Musk’s reckless attack on the government and Constitution. A suit by several Democratic state attorneys to declare the whole enterprise illegal moved forward last week. The US Institute of Peace — an independent agency established by Congress — won a lawsuit regaining control over its own building which DOGE had illegally taken over. There are ongoing negotiations and lawsuits over DOGE’s (terrifying) access to sensitive financial data.

[...] Soon after Musk joined the Trump administration, a decentralized protest movement known as Tesla Takedown began staging nonviolent protests across the country. A major event at the end of March included protests in 253 cities, in the US and abroad. Individuals have also expressed their anger at Musk by targeting his company and those who buy its products. One recent study by Guardian Service found that 46 percent of Tesla owners said that their cars have been vandalized, and 43 percent said they’d seen “rude gestures or negative comments from strangers while behind the wheel.” These incidents aren’t necessarily violent or all that damaging — political columnist Chris Cillizza reported with some outrage that someone had “defaced” his Tesla by leaving a sticker on his car saying “Musk is a Nazi.” But the cumulative effect is to make Tesla ownership toxic. The Guardian Service study found that a third of Tesla owners were considering selling their cars within a year.

The Tesla Takedown operations helped take down Elon Musk, as he exits the Trump White House… for now.

See Also:

Brian Tyler Cohen: Elon leaves with reputation in tatters

The Status Kuo (Jay Kuo): Yes, We Did Defeat Elon Musk…For Now

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Brian Barrett at Wired:

The courts have decided against DOGE and the US government in their legal battle to take full control of the United States Institute of Peace, including a headquarters building with an estimated value of $500 million. In a memorandum opinion, US district court judge Beryl Howell ruled in favor of the former institute board and staff who had sued to be reinstalled at the agency after DOGE affiliates forcibly removed them in March. She also gave a strong rebuke to the defendants in the case, who include the US DOGE Service, President Donald Trump, secretary of defense Pete Hegseth, and several other government representatives and agencies. “The purported removal of members of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace (“USIP”) … was unlawful,” Howell wrote in the order, “and therefore null, void, and without legal effect.” The order states that the USIP board members who had been forced out must be reinstated. It goes on to declare any actions taken by the agency since their removal—including the headquarters transfer—null and void. It further bars the defendants from “maintaining, retaining, gaining, or exercising any access or control over the Institute’s offices, facilities, computer systems, or any other records, files, or resources.” The ruling caps off one of the most dramatic chapters in DOGE’s government takeover so far. It’s also one of the fullest repudiations yet of DOGE overreach. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

DOGE got handed a big loss in their bid to hijack the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), as Judge Beryl Howell ruled in USIP v. Jackson that DOGE’s unlawful bid to take over the USIP is out of bounds.

See Also:

Daily Kos: Federal judge bashes DOGE and sides with 'Peace'—but is it too late?

[gwydionmisha]

I don't understand why they don't have to pay for everything they stole or damaged, including returning all the money they stole.

It was illegal on it's face. They knew it was illegal when they did it.

[gwydionmisha]

The U.S. Institute of Peace is an independent organization, rather than part of the executive branch, so this is illegal, but the police ultimately sided against the law and with DOGE and the FBI and let the occupation occur.

So that's now the police, the FBI, and the US Marshall executing illegal orders because they are completely loyal to Trump instead of the United States.

The rule of law is over.

[hiightowers]

DOGE Is Trying to Gift Itself a $500 Million Building, Court Filings Show | WIRED

The DOGE-affiliated acting president of the United States Institute of Peace, a Congressionally funded, independent think tank, has moved to transfer the agency’s $500 million headquarters building to the General Services Administration free of charge, according to court documents revealed in a recently filed lawsuit.

Court documents filed by defendants on Monday reveal the next phase of DOGE’s plans for USIP. As of March 25, DOGE staffer Nate Cavanaugh—formerly installed at GSA—has replaced Jackson as the institute’s acting president, the documents show. They further state that Cavanaugh has been instructed to transfer USIP’s assets—including its real estate—to the GSA. The letter detailing those changes and instructions was signed by secretary of defense Pete Hegseth and secretary of state Marco Rubio.

In a separate undated letter, which was also included in the batch of documents filed with the court, Cavanaugh writes to GSA acting administrator Stephen Ehikian: “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 and to seek an exception from the 100 percent reimbursement requirement for the building.”

In another letter included in the lawsuit’s docket dated March 29, Project 2025 architect and Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought writes to Ehikian to approve his request “to set the amount of reimbursement at no cost for the transfer of the United States Institute of Peace’s (USIP) headquarters building.”

In another letter included in the lawsuit’s docket dated March 29, Project 2025 architect and Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought writes to Ehikian to approve his request “to set the amount of reimbursement at no cost for the transfer of the United States Institute of Peace’s (USIP) headquarters building.”

To state this plainly: DOGE forced out the directors and staff of a nonexecutive agency, installed one of its own GSA staffers as president, and that person is now attempting to hand the institute’s $500 million headquarters over to the agency he came from, at zero cost.

Judge Howell will decide whether to allow the transfer in court Tuesday; a broader ruling in the USIP case is expected by the end of the month.

[msaprilsky]

[gvoicestore]

Looking for US IP Gmail accounts?

We've got you covered! Secure, reliable, and ready to go. DM for details! 📧🔒

[liberalsarecool]

“The President’s efforts here to take over an organization outside of those bounds, contrary to statute established by Congress and by acts of force and threat using local and federal law enforcement officers, represented a gross usurpation of power and a way of conducting government affairs that unnecessarily traumatized the committed leadership and employees of USIP, who deserved better,” Howell wrote in her 102-page opinion.

The judge said the administration’s subsequent actions — including terminating staff and programs, replacing the institute’s president with a DOGE agent, and transferring its headquarters to the General Services Administration were “effectuated by illegitimately-installed leaders who lacked legal authority to take these actions, which must therefore be declared null and void."

Entirety of DOGE should be rendered null and void.

[saywhat-politics]

"Vermin were not a problem” at the the U.S. Institute of Peace before Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency took over the building.

The head of the United States Institute of Peace said that when Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency took over the organization’s Washington, D.C., headquarters, it led to “rats and roaches in the building.”

DOGE, an initiative tasked with making drastic cuts to federal spending, fired most of USIP’s board members and laid off nearly all of its U.S.-based employees. The nonprofit, which is funded by Congress, was established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan to promote international peace.

[globalnewscollective]

Elon Musk vs. The Institute of Peace – A Real-Life Thriller

DOGE vs. USIP: A Detailed Account of the March 17, 2025 Confrontation

On March 17, 2025, a significant confrontation unfolded in Washington, D.C., as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, sought to assert control over the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). This incident has ignited debates concerning governmental authority and the autonomy of federally funded institutions.

Background on USIP

Established by Congress in 1984, the USIP is an independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting conflict resolution and peacebuilding worldwide. Although it receives federal funding, the institute operates autonomously, maintaining a distinct separation from executive branch oversight.

Timeline of Events: March 15-18, 2025

Friday, March 15: Initial Attempts to Enter

On Friday afternoon, DOGE officials first attempted to gain access to the USIP headquarters, just off the National Mall, but were turned away by institute representatives. Later that evening, around 7:00 PM, Musk’s team returned, this time accompanied by two F.B.I. agents. They presented a document signed by remaining board members that removed the institute’s acting president. However, after USIP’s lawyer informed them that the institute was an independent agency outside the executive branch, they left without gaining entry.

Weekend: Legal Threats and Escalation

Over the weekend, tensions escalated as the F.B.I. allegedly threatened institute employees over their refusal to grant access. On Sunday night, Jonathan Hornok, the newly appointed chief of the criminal division of the U.S. attorney’s office for the District of Columbia, contacted USIP lawyer George Foote. He reportedly made requests on behalf of DOGE officials to gain access to the institute’s “books and records.” When USIP resisted, Hornok allegedly threatened a criminal investigation.

Monday Morning: Signs of Resistance

By Monday morning, signs were posted on the doors of the USIP headquarters, hastily printed, warning against trespassing and stating that the building was “closed until further notice.” These signs appeared to be an effort by institute officials to prevent DOGE’s forced entry.

Monday Afternoon: Standoff and Police Involvement

On Monday afternoon, Musk representatives arrived in a black S.U.V. with government plates, escorted by private security in separate vehicles dressed in street clothing. Initially, they struggled to find an open entrance, circling the building before stopping. Two USIP lawyers, including George Foote and Ms. Lin, emerged and approached the vehicle, leading to a windowside negotiation.

During the exchange, DOGE representatives, including a man who identified himself as Kenneth Jackson, the newly installed agency president, invited the lawyers to enter the vehicle. Ms. Lin declined, jokingly expressing concerns about where they would be taken. Instead, she suggested taking a walk outside. The discussion ended with an agreement to hold a meeting over a video call.

As rush hour traffic backed up behind the stalled vehicle, drivers honked impatiently. Eventually, DOGE’s team did not gain entry until officers from Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department arrived. However, rather than removing DOGE officials, the police cleared USIP leadership from the building.

Monday Evening: DOGE Takes Control

By 5:00 PM, DOGE officials had fully entered the building, with Kenneth Jackson assuming the role of acting president. Inside, DOGE representatives took control of key offices, while USIP’s previous leadership was escorted out. Police reports remained ambiguous, with spokesperson Tom Lynch confirming only that officers responded to a call about unlawful entry but did not make any arrests.

Among those present were Nate Cavanaugh and Justin Aimonetti, two Musk officials who had previously forced entry into the African Development Foundation, another government entity affected by the February executive order.

Late into Monday night, members of Musk’s team, known for working around the clock, remained inside the institute. Kenneth Jackson was seen in the office of the president, actively working. Dinner was delivered—Sweetgreen and six pizzas—suggesting they intended to stay for the long haul.

Legal and Political Repercussions

In response to these events, USIP and several board members have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the legality of the board's dismissal and DOGE's intervention. Representative Don Beyer criticized DOGE's actions as an “illegal power grab,” emphasizing concerns over the precedent such a takeover could set for other independent organizations.

Broader Implications

This confrontation underscores the tension between governmental efficiency initiatives and the preservation of independent institutions that contribute to global peace and diplomacy. The outcome of this legal battle may have lasting implications for the balance of power between the executive branch and autonomous organizations established by Congress.

As the situation develops, stakeholders and observers are closely monitoring the potential impacts on USIP's mission and the future autonomy of similar institutions.

[literary-potato]

In US politics news, Trump admin is now fully ignoring court orders and DOGE (with the assistance of the FBI and DC police) is raiding the USIP, an organization that — while it was established by Congress — is an independent nonprofit organization, not a government agency or part of the executive branch.

[darkmaga-returns]

President Donald Trump’s administration has gutted another “rogue government agency” after exposing widespread abuse of taxpayer funds at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP).

The Trump admin has carried out a sweeping move and fired nearly the entire staff at the USIP headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The mass firings, described by some employees as a “Friday night massacre” in comments to The Washington Post.

The gutting of the agency affected between 200 and 300 individuals at the USIP, according to multiple reports.

The employees were informed of their termination via email.

Many of them were offered severance packages and one month of health insurance, provided they waived their right to sue the organization.

According to The Washington Post, the email notification stated:

“This letter is to inform you of a change in your employment status with the United States Institute of Peace.

“Effective March 28, 2025, your employment with us will conclude.”

[theconstitutionisgayculture]

What would you say are Trump's biggest successes from both his first and currently ongoing second presidential terms?

Biggest accomplishments from his first term were slashing regulations, a booming economy, gas prices that dipped below $2, destroying ISIS as a credible threat, tax cuts, and his biggest and the entire reason I voted for him the first time, putting a conservative majority on the supreme court. There were more, but those are the ones that stick out to me. This term he's deporting illegals, bringing manufacturing jobs back to the US, makin foreign companies invest in the US, slowly fixing the disastrous Biden economy, protected the filibuster, is dismantling the bloated and unconstitutional federal bureaucracy, is finding an eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse at all levels of government, is doing his best to close down agencies like the DoE, USAID, USIP, etc, destroying the Houthis and possibly even bombing Iran into dust, ending transgender nonsense in government, ending DEI, turning the military back into a lethal fighting force and not a woke social experiment, supporting Israel against the evil, genocidal Hamas, forcing college campuses to address the rampant anti-semitism and political violence on campuses, sending the Democratic Party into a death spiral of its own making, and these are just the things I can name without going back to look them up. Trump has had one of the most consequential first two months of any president in history, and I can only hope he keeps the momentum going for the next 4 years.

[dertaglichedan]

Judge Rules DOGE, Trump Admin Gutting U.S. Institute of Peace ‘Unlawful’

A federal judge declared that the gutting of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Trump administration was “unlawful.”

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell on Monday found that DOGE removing “USIP’s president, his replacement by officials affiliated with DOGE” and the termination of some USIP staff had been “effectuated by illegitimately-installed leaders” who didn’t have the legal authority, NBC News reported.

“In a drastic and abrupt change of course, within the first month of his second term, President Trump unilaterally decided that USIP is ‘unnecessary,’ issuing Executive Order 14217 (‘EO 14217’) § 1, 90 Fed. Reg. 10577, 10577 (Feb. 19, 2025), to this effect, and then his Administration rushed through actions, including removal of Board members, to reach the professed goal of reducing all of USIP’s operations and personnel to the bare minimum to perform only mandated statutory tasks, while ignoring the broader statutory goals set out for this organization to fulfil,” Howell said in a court document. “The unilateral actions were taken without asking Congress to cease or reprogram appropriations or by recommending that Congress enact a new law to dissolve or reduce the Institute or transfer its tasks to another entity, despite the President’s constitutional duties either to ‘take care’ of ‘faithfully execut[ing]’ the law, U.S. CONST. art. II § 3, cl. 4, or to ‘recommend to [Congress’s] Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient,’ id., cl. 1.”

“Instead, the current Administration decided to effectuate the President’s Executive Order 14217 through blunt force, backed up by law enforcement officers from three separate local and federal agencies,” Howell continued.