The Trump administration has laid off the majority of employees at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), with termination notices sent to personal email addresses starting Friday night, according to reports. Only senior officials and staff working abroad remain employed at the federally funded organization, which once had a workforce of about 300.
George M. Foote, outside counsel for USIP, called the firings “unconscionable and deeply troubling,” warning that they jeopardize the safety of staff around the world.
Earlier this month, a federal judge declined to block the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from taking over USIP, though she criticized its conduct.
“I am very offended by how DOGE has operated at the institute,” said U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell.
The White House recently replaced USIP leadership with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. DOGE officials argue former USIP leaders have no standing to challenge the restructuring in court.
The administration defends the move as part of its cost-cutting efforts, with a spokesperson stating the institute “has failed to deliver peace.”
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