Turbulence Unfolds at Peace Institute: What’s Behind the Chaos?

Hand holding white flag against a blue sky.

The U.S. Institute of Peace descended into chaos as ousted president George Moose defied the Trump administration and locked the building to prevent his replacement from entering, ultimately requiring police intervention to restore order.

Quick Takes

  • The Trump administration fired 11 of 15 board members at the U.S. Institute of Peace, citing “noncompliance” with executive orders.
  • USIP President George Moose refused to recognize his removal, locking the building and barring entry to his appointed replacement, Kenneth Jackson.
  • Metropolitan Police Department officers were called to escort Moose out and allow Jackson to enter the building.
  • USIP staff had allegedly prepared to resist leadership changes, including distributing photos of incoming leadership and using walkie-talkies.
  • Moose contends the takeover is illegal, arguing USIP is a private nonprofit corporation not under federal control, while the administration maintains its authority to make changes.

Unprecedented Standoff at Federal Peace Institute

A dramatic confrontation unfolded at the U.S. Institute of Peace headquarters when the organization’s president refused to accept his termination. After the USIP board of directors relieved George Moose of his duties and appointed Kenneth Jackson as his replacement, Moose took extraordinary measures to prevent the transition of power. According to reports, he ordered a lockdown of the building, shutting down systems and physically preventing Jackson and his team from entering the premises, creating a tense standoff that required law enforcement intervention.

The clash represents the culmination of tensions between the Trump administration and USIP leadership. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Defense University President Peter Garvin were the remaining board members who voted to terminate Moose after the administration had removed 11 of the 15 total board members. This dramatic overhaul comes as part of a broader effort by the administration to reshape various government-affiliated organizations.

Legal Battle Brewing Over Institute’s Status

At the heart of the dispute lies disagreement over USIP’s legal status and the administration’s authority. Established by Congress in 1984 to study peaceful conflict resolutions, USIP has played a significant role in international affairs. However, while it receives congressional funding, its organizational structure as an independent nonprofit has created confusion about who ultimately has authority over its operations and leadership. This gray area has become the battleground for the current conflict.

“We have been talking to them for many weeks now in anticipation of just this possibility and also to remind them that we are a private, nonprofit corporation in the District of Columbia and therefore not a federal agency, and therefore, the federal government has no entitlement to come in and take over our building,” insisted Moose.

The White House has firmly rejected Moose’s position, with officials making it clear they view his actions as insubordination. “Rogue bureaucrats will not be allowed to hold agencies hostage,” stated a White House official. The administration argues that USIP, which receives annual taxpayer funding, remains subject to presidential authority and oversight, particularly regarding board appointments and leadership changes.

Chaotic Workplace Environment

When Jackson finally gained entry with police assistance, he reportedly found a workplace in disarray. According to Daily Wire reporting, non-functioning systems greeted the new leadership team, and employees were using walkie-talkies for communication after normal channels had been disrupted. Internal emails revealed that USIP staff had been preparing for this confrontation, with specific instructions on how to respond to external entities requesting access to the building.

Colin O’Brien, USIP’s chief security officer, confirmed that the lockdown had been ordered by Moose himself, resulting in widespread system shutdowns. Staff had allegedly been instructed to resist the leadership change, with some reports indicating photos of incoming leadership had been distributed to assist in identifying who should be denied entry. The Heritage Foundation has criticized USIP for lack of transparency and what they characterize as a preference for Democratic appointments.

Broader Implications for Government-Affiliated Organizations

This confrontation at USIP is not occurring in isolation. The Trump administration’s executive order also targeted several other organizations, including the U.S. African Development Foundation, the Inter-American Foundation, and the Presidio Trust. Some of these organizations have already taken legal action against the administration’s moves, with mixed outcomes in court so far. USIP has announced plans to file its own lawsuit challenging what it views as improper procedures in appointing new leadership.

What began as an administrative change has escalated into a significant test case for defining the boundaries of executive authority over congressionally-funded independent organizations. The irony that an institute dedicated to peaceful conflict resolution has become the site of such a contentious power struggle has not been lost on observers from across the political spectrum. As the legal challenges progress, the outcome may establish important precedents for similar organizations.

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