Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency reportedly “broke in” to the U.S. Institute of Peace building as part of their mission to make government more efficient – but they had to do it with a police escort after the agency’s former leader blocked them from gaining access.
At a glance:
• President Trump’s administration removed the leadership of the US Institute of Peace as part of his government efficiency efforts
• Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was involved in the takeover of the institute
• Trump ordered the institute to be “eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law”
• The institute was established by Ronald Reagan in 1984 with a mission to prevent international conflicts
• Kenneth Jackson, a former State Department official, was installed as the new President despite resistance
Trump Administration Takes Control of Peace Institute
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are moving to bring the US Institute of Peace under proper government control and accountability, sending in a team of DOGE workers to ensure that the organization is not misspending funds.
Trump signed an Executive Order specifically targeting the institute and directed it to be “eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.”
The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, played a central role in implementing the President’s directive. Despite claims by the institute that it owns its building and operates with a relatively modest $55 million annual budget from Congress, the Trump team determined more efficiency was needed – and he sent in the experts.
And Democrats and anti-Trump activists alike are going insane about it.
Board Changes and New Leadership
The Trump administration took decisive action by removing most of the institute’s board, leaving only three members including Senator Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth. The decision ensures the institute will now operate in alignment with the America First principles that voters endorsed in the election, until it is eventually shut down.
The newly configured board promptly removed Acting President George Moose, who had been accused of denying access to the incoming President. Moose reportedly resisted the change, claiming DOGE had “broken into” the building and suggesting the takeover was illegal.
“Rogue bureaucrats will not be allowed to hold agencies hostage. The Trump administration will enforce the President’s executive authority and ensure his agencies remain accountable to the American people,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly in response to the resistance.
Kenneth Jackson, a former State Department official with extensive experience, was named as the new President of the institute. Jackson entered the headquarters with a police escort, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition despite opposition.
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Part of a Broader Efficiency Initiative
The changes at the US Institute of Peace are just one component of Trump’s comprehensive plan to streamline government operations. Senator Marco Rubio has already canceled over 80% of US development assistance, aligning with Trump’s view that much foreign aid is wasteful and fails to serve American interests.
The institute, originally established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, was created to prevent and resolve international conflicts. However, the Trump administration’s assessment found that its functions could be performed more efficiently within existing government structures.
Trump has also moved to reform US-funded international broadcasting, including Voice of America, as part of his broader effort to ensure American taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Other organizations named in the executive order include the US African Development Foundation, the Inter-American Foundation, and the Presidio Trust.
