The US Institute of Peace, a non-partisan agency dedicated to promoting peace and conflict resolution, has been at the center of a contentious battle between the Trump administration and its independent directors. According to George Foote, the outside general counsel for the institute, operatives from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) arrived at the USIP headquarters like a "strike team," leaving behind a half-pound of weed - likely more accurately described as a half-ounce.
Foote's vivid description highlights the aggressive nature of DOGE's operations. He stated that Musk took the organization to a "destructive level" without clearly outlining his intentions for DOGE, which has been labeled as an authoritarian entity. FOOTE WAS PART OF THE EFFORT TO PREVENT THE US GOVERNMENT FROM TAKING CONTROL OVER THE ORGANIZATION.
The Trump administration's interest in the independent agency dates back to a February 19 executive order declaring it "unnecessary" and calling for its elimination. In March, the administration fired the 10 voting board members of the USIP, and attempted to enter the $500 million headquarters before being turned away by court documents. A judge ultimately ruled that DOGE and the US government did not have the right to take control of USIP and its headquarters.
Despite this setback, Trump's name was recently installed on the headquarters ahead of a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the building. According to Foote, who is currently representing USIP directors in a lawsuit challenging Trump's right to remove them from office, this move is an attempt by the President to assert control over the building.
The fallout from DOGE's "move-fast-break-things" ethos has had far-reaching effects on various government agencies and individuals. Many young technologists affiliated with DOGE are still working for federal government entities, including those who were involved in efforts to disrupt USIP operations.
As Foote noted during a panel discussion at WIRED's Big Interview event, it is crucial for people to monitor the situation closely and stand up for the rule of law, even if it means enduring a lengthy court process.
Foote's vivid description highlights the aggressive nature of DOGE's operations. He stated that Musk took the organization to a "destructive level" without clearly outlining his intentions for DOGE, which has been labeled as an authoritarian entity. FOOTE WAS PART OF THE EFFORT TO PREVENT THE US GOVERNMENT FROM TAKING CONTROL OVER THE ORGANIZATION.
The Trump administration's interest in the independent agency dates back to a February 19 executive order declaring it "unnecessary" and calling for its elimination. In March, the administration fired the 10 voting board members of the USIP, and attempted to enter the $500 million headquarters before being turned away by court documents. A judge ultimately ruled that DOGE and the US government did not have the right to take control of USIP and its headquarters.
Despite this setback, Trump's name was recently installed on the headquarters ahead of a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the building. According to Foote, who is currently representing USIP directors in a lawsuit challenging Trump's right to remove them from office, this move is an attempt by the President to assert control over the building.
The fallout from DOGE's "move-fast-break-things" ethos has had far-reaching effects on various government agencies and individuals. Many young technologists affiliated with DOGE are still working for federal government entities, including those who were involved in efforts to disrupt USIP operations.
As Foote noted during a panel discussion at WIRED's Big Interview event, it is crucial for people to monitor the situation closely and stand up for the rule of law, even if it means enduring a lengthy court process.
I'm not buying this story about Elon Musk's "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) infiltrating the US Institute of Peace (USIP). Where's the evidence? How did Foote, the outside general counsel, get the inside scoop on DOGE's alleged "strike team"? 
This sounds like a wild conspiracy theory. I'm not saying FOOTE didn't have a beef with Trump or that he wasn't trying to protect USIP, but come on! A half-ounce of weed? Really? 
. First, it was USIP, now he's got Trump's name on the building too. Like, isn't that just a PR stunt? And Foote is right, we gotta keep an eye on this and make sure the rule of law holds up. Can't let one guy dictate everything just because he's got a lot of cash 
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. I mean, leaving behind half an ounce of weed at the USIP headquarters? That's just wild 
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. It's essential that we hold our leaders accountable and protect institutions like this from being hijacked for personal gain 
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. Anyway, I'm definitely keeping an eye on this situation and hoping that justice prevails 
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i'm not surprised they were snooping around USIP headquarters, all that secrecy does scream "spying" 
but at the same time, it's like trump admin is trying to assert control over a non-partisan org? red flags everywhere 
foote's story is crazy though, half-ounce of weed lol i think the bigger concern is what DOGE plans to do next and how will it affect other government agencies...
. Anyway, I think Trump's move to install his name on the building is pretty shady, but what's even more concerning is how many young tech folks are still working for federal agencies after being affiliated with DOGE. It's like, they're still getting paid to disrupt and dismantle organizations that promote peace and conflict resolution