Elon Musk’s government cutters seize D.C. office, FBI and police involved

Washington, D.C. – A dramatic power struggle between the U.S. government and an independent peace agency erupted in Washington on Monday as federal officials forcibly took control of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP). The standoff, which included the presence of FBI agents and local police, marks one of the most visible flashpoints in President Trump’s efforts to dismantle government agencies deemed inefficient.

The tension had been building for weeks following a February executive order directing the closure of several agencies, including USIP. The order, championed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk’s leadership, called for these entities to reduce operations “to the minimum required by law” within two weeks. USIP officials resisted, arguing that their organization—established by Congress in 1984—is a nonprofit outside of executive branch control.

On Friday, DOGE representatives, accompanied by FBI agents, attempted to enter USIP headquarters near the National Mall. They were turned away after institute lawyers asserted their independence. Over the weekend, tensions escalated as federal officials reportedly pressured USIP leadership to grant access to internal records. When they refused, DOJ officials allegedly threatened a criminal investigation.

By Monday afternoon, DOGE officials arrived in a government-plated SUV, accompanied by private security. Initially unable to enter the building, they engaged in roadside negotiations with USIP attorneys. The bizarre standoff played out as rush-hour traffic piled up, drivers honking in frustration.

Eventually, Washington’s Metropolitan Police arrived. USIP had called to report trespassers, but instead of removing the DOGE representatives, police escorted the institute’s leaders out of the building. With that, DOGE took control.

The move sparked outrage among former USIP officials. George Moose, the institute’s acting president until last week, called the takeover illegal. “Our statute is very clear about the status of this building and this institute,” he told reporters. “This is an illegal takeover by elements of the executive branch of a private nonprofit corporation.”

The new USIP leadership, now helmed by State Department official Kenneth Jackson, has yet to outline its next steps. Meanwhile, the former leadership team is preparing a legal challenge. Sophia Lin, an attorney for USIP, vowed to fight back. “We will not recognize these unlawful terminations,” she said.

The takeover of USIP mirrors previous moves by Musk’s team, including a similar operation at the African Development Foundation earlier this month. The administration argues these measures are necessary to rein in bureaucracy and streamline government operations.

For now, signs hastily taped to USIP’s doors declare the building “closed until further notice.” Inside, Musk’s team has set up shop, reportedly working late into the night—with Sweetgreen and pizza deliveries to sustain them. Whether the courts will intervene remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this is only the beginning of a broader battle over the limits of executive power.