DOGE Standoff Leads to Layoffs at US Institute of Peace
USIP has been actively working to counter efforts by the Trump administration to assume control over it, asserting that the institute does not qualify as a federal agency under the law.
TroibNews 
Employees at the U.S. Institute of Peace began receiving immediate termination letters on Friday evening, according to five sources who spoke to PMG. This marks a significant setback for the organization as the Trump administration moves to dismantle its operations.
While the exact number of impacted employees is unclear, the five sources, who requested anonymity due to fear of retribution, believe that the majority of the Washington-based staff received termination notifications. The implications of these firings for the institute’s overseas personnel are still uncertain.
The U.S. Institute of Peace, a nonprofit organization supported by Congress, focuses on promoting conflict resolution and advancing peace globally.
The termination letter reviewed by PMG outlines a severance package that includes additional cash after the employees' final day, along with one month of health care coverage post-departure. It specifies that by signing the letter, former employees agree to forfeit their rights to pursue legal action against USIP regarding their terminations. Additionally, the letter allows those laid off a brief period to return to their offices to collect personal belongings.
Earlier this month, USIP was embroiled in a conflict with employees from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. President Donald Trump removed much of the institute’s board, and the remaining members—comprising Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—subsequently ousted the organization's president and CEO, appointing Kenneth Jackson, a member of DOGE, as the new acting leader.
With D.C. police assistance, Jackson and others from DOGE clandestinely entered the building.
Jackson has not responded to an email seeking comment, and there has been no communication from a DOGE spokesperson. A spokesperson for USIP was also unavailable.
USIP officials are contesting the takeover in court, asserting that the organization does not legally qualify as a federal agency. Earlier this month, a federal judge rejected a request for a temporary restraining order to stop DOGE’s takeover of USIP.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
While the exact number of impacted employees is unclear, the five sources, who requested anonymity due to fear of retribution, believe that the majority of the Washington-based staff received termination notifications. The implications of these firings for the institute’s overseas personnel are still uncertain.
The U.S. Institute of Peace, a nonprofit organization supported by Congress, focuses on promoting conflict resolution and advancing peace globally.
The termination letter reviewed by PMG outlines a severance package that includes additional cash after the employees' final day, along with one month of health care coverage post-departure. It specifies that by signing the letter, former employees agree to forfeit their rights to pursue legal action against USIP regarding their terminations. Additionally, the letter allows those laid off a brief period to return to their offices to collect personal belongings.
Earlier this month, USIP was embroiled in a conflict with employees from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. President Donald Trump removed much of the institute’s board, and the remaining members—comprising Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—subsequently ousted the organization's president and CEO, appointing Kenneth Jackson, a member of DOGE, as the new acting leader.
With D.C. police assistance, Jackson and others from DOGE clandestinely entered the building.
Jackson has not responded to an email seeking comment, and there has been no communication from a DOGE spokesperson. A spokesperson for USIP was also unavailable.
USIP officials are contesting the takeover in court, asserting that the organization does not legally qualify as a federal agency. Earlier this month, a federal judge rejected a request for a temporary restraining order to stop DOGE’s takeover of USIP.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
