Washington D.C. – U.S. Institute of Peace Building Renamed Amid Ongoing Legal Dispute
The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), a nonprofit organization established by Congress, has been renamed the 'Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace' by the Trump administration. This action coincides with ongoing legal challenges regarding the institute's governance and control.
Organizational Background and Administrative Actions
Founded by Congress in 1985 under President Ronald Reagan, USIP operates as an independent, congressionally funded think tank. Its stated mission is to promote peace and prevent conflict globally, often working outside traditional State Department diplomatic channels. Prior to the administration's intervention, USIP was active in 26 conflict zones, including locations such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
The Department of Government Efficiency identified USIP as an area for review. On Wednesday, the State Department announced the renaming, stating it was intended to "reflect the greatest dealmaker in our nation's history." The new name has been displayed on the institute's building, which is located near the State Department.
Legal Conflict and Reversals
The administration initiated actions to remove the institute's board and subsequently its staff in the spring, leading to the transfer of the building to the General Services Administration (GSA).
- A federal district court initially overturned these actions in May, returning control of the headquarters to USIP leadership.
- Weeks later, a federal appeals court reversed this decision, resulting in the building remaining under GSA possession and employees being dismissed for a second time.
USIP maintains its status as an independent congressional creation, arguing that it falls outside the president's executive authority. In contrast, the administration asserts it is an executive branch organization. A final determination regarding the institute's operational status and control is pending a decision from a federal appeals court.
Official Statements Regarding the Renaming
Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, stated, "The United States Institute of Peace was once a bloated, useless entity that blew $50 million per year while delivering no peace. Now, the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, which is both beautifully and aptly named after a President who ended eight wars in less than a year, will stand as a powerful reminder of what strong leadership can accomplish for global stability." She concluded her statement with, "Congratulations, world!"
George Foote, a lawyer representing former Institute leadership and staff, commented that the renaming "adds insult to injury." He noted that a federal judge had previously ruled the government's takeover as illegal, with that judgment currently stayed pending the government's appeal.
Scheduled Event at the Facility
The USIP building is scheduled to host the signing of a peace agreement on Thursday between Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame. High-ranking officials from the African Union, along with representatives from nations including Angola, Burundi, Kenya, Togo, Qatar, Uganda, and the United Arab Emirates, are expected to attend.
As of Wednesday night, the USIP website continued to display its original name, with a prominent headline announcing, "President Donald J. Trump to Sign Historic Peace Agreement at USIP Headquarters," followed by details of the Congo-Rwanda agreement being overseen by Trump at the institute.