Federal intervention at a small peace agency ignites a fiery legal battle between Trump’s efficiency team and deep state holdovers. The latest court ruling delivers a significant blow to bureaucratic resistance as the Trump administration continues to drain the swamp.
At a glance:
• Federal judge denied the U.S. Institute of Peace’s request for a temporary restraining order against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
• USIP officials were removed after refusing to comply with Trump administration directives to reduce the size of federal bureaucracy
• Judge criticized DOGE’s methods while still ruling in the administration’s favor
• DOGE agents entered USIP headquarters with assistance from FBI and DC Metropolitan Police
• White House stated they are removing “rogue bureaucrats” to ensure agency accountability
Victory for Trump Administration’s Efficiency Efforts
A federal judge has denied an emergency effort by ousted officials at the United States Institute of Peace to be reinstated after they were removed for failing to comply with Trump administration directives. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell rejected the request for a temporary restraining order against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), despite expressing concerns about their methods.
The case is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the size of federal government and eliminate wasteful spending. USIP, established in 1984 as an independent nonprofit corporation funded by taxpayers, had refused to implement downsizing measures ordered by the administration. The Trump administration responded with characteristic tough action.
The legal dispute erupted after DOGE agents, assisted by the FBI and DC Metropolitan Police, removed 11 of USIP’s 14 board members who had defied an Executive Order to reduce federal bureaucracy. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly made the administration’s position clear, stating: “Rogue bureaucrats will not be allowed to hold agencies hostage.”
Judge Questions Methods While Upholding Administration Authority
Judge Howell made headlines with sharp criticism of how DOGE conducted the removal operation, while still ruling in the administration’s favor. “I’m very offended by how DOGE has operated at the Institute and treated American citizens trying to do a job that they were statutorily tasked to do at the Institute, but that concern is not one that I have that can sway me in my consideration of the factors for a TRO,” Howell stated during the hearing.
The judge specifically questioned the use of armed law enforcement from three agencies to carry out the Executive Order. “Why those ways here — just because DOGE is in a rush?” Howell asked, suggesting there were “so many other lawful ways” to accomplish the administration’s goals.
Despite this criticism, Howell ultimately ruled that the plaintiffs failed to meet the criteria necessary for a temporary restraining order.
Bureaucratic Resistance Crumbles as Administration Asserts Control
The confrontation began when DOGE representatives were initially denied entry to USIP headquarters by officials who claimed the institute’s independent status exempted it from executive control. DOGE agents subsequently returned with law enforcement backup to install new leadership.
USIP’s lawsuit had claimed DOGE committed “literal trespass and takeover by force” and was causing “irreparable harm” to the organization. Judge Howell dismissed these arguments, citing “confusion in the complaint” that made her “uncomfortable” about granting the requested relief.
Multiple legal challenges to Trump’s downsizing efforts have been filed, but the administration continues to press forward.
