Live updates on the Trump administration reveal a significant confrontation between the Department of Government Efficiency and the U.S. Institute of Peace, an independent agency. On Monday, law enforcement officers accompanied representatives of Elon Musk's administration to the agency's headquarters in Washington, where officials were evicted.
The incident escalated after Musk's team attempted to access the U.S. Institute of Peace, which President Trump has ordered to be dismantled. Agency officials contend that, as a congressionally chartered nonprofit, the institute is not subject to executive branch authority. Sophia Lin, a lawyer for the institute, reported that law enforcement was present during the eviction.
George Moose, the former acting president of the institute who was dismissed last week, accused Musk's team of illegally taking over the agency. He emphasized that the agency's charter clearly defines its status as independent from the executive branch.
This confrontation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Musk's efforts to reduce federal workforce and restructure government agencies. It also illustrates Trump's approach to exerting authority over traditionally independent entities.
A spokesperson for Musk's team referred inquiries to the White House, where an official indicated that the institute had failed to comply with an executive order issued by Trump in February. This order identified the institute among four governmental entities to be minimized or eliminated.
Established by Congress in 1984, the U.S. Institute of Peace focuses on conflict prevention and resolution, providing training and resources to diplomats and peace negotiators. Following the executive order, the institute's website was updated to emphasize its cost-effectiveness in an attempt to align with the administration's goals.
Tensions escalated on Friday when the Department of Government Efficiency attempted to gain access to the agency, only to be turned away. The following day, Musk's team returned with FBI agents and presented documentation of board member changes but were again denied entry.
Over the weekend, FBI officials reportedly threatened institute employees regarding access to the building. Ms. Lin stated that the new chief of the criminal division for the U.S. attorney's office sought access to the institute's records and threatened a criminal investigation if cooperation was not forthcoming.
By Monday, signs were posted at the building indicating it was closed until further notice. Musk's representatives arrived in a government-plated SUV, accompanied by private security. Initial attempts to enter the building were unsuccessful, leading to negotiations outside the vehicle.
Institute officials called the police to report trespassing, but the officers instead cleared them from the building, stating that no arrests were made. The police spokesperson confirmed that they responded to reports of unlawful entry but did not provide further details.
Members of Musk's team, previously involved in similar actions against other government entities, remained at the institute late into the night, with reports indicating they were actively working inside the agency.