United States: The judicial ruling on Wednesday from a federal judge validated Trump’s administration policy even though the nonprofit organization filed a suit to protect itself against “ongoing destruction” by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
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The United States Institute for Peace (USIP) filed a request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) on Tuesday to prevent the Department of Government Efficiency from obtaining control of its headquarters stationed on Constitution Avenue through forced occupation of the building.
Furthermore, the organization also blamed the anti-waste initiative for the “ongoing destruction of the Institute’s physical and electronic property,” the New York Times reported.
What has the law stated?
“Defendants have been and are at this minute engaged in conduct that will cause the Institute irreparable harm that will prevent the Institute from performing any of its lawful functions and is likely to utterly destroy it,” as the lawsuit mentioned.
DOGE has again fought back another effort to enjoin its work. A judge rejected the effort of the Institute of Peace to bar Trump officials from even entering its building. https://t.co/bxxVEUKTSw Judge Beryl Howell turned down the demand for a temporary restraining order…
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) March 20, 2025
Furthermore, a decision was made on Wednesday by Judge Beryl Howell, who motioned to reject the USIP’s request for a TRO.
“I think there is confusion in the complaint that makes me uncomfortable,” Howell stated.
“I would say I am very offended by how DOGE has operated in the Institute in treating American citizens…. but that concern about how this has gone down is not one that can sway me in the consideration of factors for TRO, which is emergency relief, which is exceptional,” she added.
According to the New York Times report, Howell, who was appointed as a senior judge of the US District Court for the District of Columbia in 2024, also said she was “particularly concerned about plaintiffs’ likelihood of success.”
“Two of the most important tests, likely to succeed on the merits and likely to suffer irreparable harm, are just a stretch here,” Howell continued.
Judge denies embattled government-funded agency's restraining order request against DOGE. The left is fighting to continue literally stealing from the American people. pic.twitter.com/9NlPZ81lrp
— The Patriots Prayer Network (@ThePatriotsPray) March 20, 2025
The USIP obtained its independence in 1984 after Congress funded its establishment under the Reagan administration.
Its goal is to “[protect] U.S. interests by helping to prevent violent conflicts and broker peace deals abroad,” as stated on its website.
“Our work helps keep America safe, reducing the risk that the United States will be drawn into costly foreign wars that drive terrorism, criminal gangs, and migration,” the agency’s website mentioned.
“We help make America stronger by projecting U.S. influence and bolstering partner countries in regions destabilized by China and other U.S. adversaries,” the website quoted.
The executive order of President Donald Trump in February proved unsuccessful against USIP because the organization refused to conform to minimum staffing requirements defined in the mandate.