Congressionally funded institute sabotaged its building to keep out DOGE: report

Staff of the U.S. Institute of Peace physically removed locks from exterior doors, "effectively destroying entry mechanisms," before the Department of Government Efficiency could enter its building at the far west end of the National Mall, according to photos obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation.

The congressionally funded organization, whose board is appointed by the president and must include the secretaries of state and defense and president of National Defense University, allegedly flouted President Trump's downsizing executive order, leading to the removal of its President George Moose on Friday.

"Much of USIP’s leadership, including Moose, barricaded themselves on the building’s fifth floor, closing window shades and blocking access points in a last-ditch effort to resist DOGE’s entry," DCNF reported, citing a "Trump administration official involved in the USIP leadership transition who requested anonymity."

The official also said USIP leaders disconnected information technology infrastructure including phonelines and internet connections, "forcing communication among staff through walkie-talkies," in DCNF's paraphrase. Another photo shows a flyer distributed throughout the building with the names and pictures of "anticipated DOGE officials," and told staff to "immediately notify the on-duty lieutenant" if they came to the building.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell refused to issue a temporary restraining order Wednesday against DOGE's takeover, saying its removed board members likely don't have legal standing to sue, even though Howell said she was "very offended by how DOGE has operated at the institute," The Hill reported.

"Mr. Moose denied lawful access to Kenneth Jackson, the Acting USIP President (as approved by the USIP Board)," and D.C. police escorted Jackson into the building," DOGE said Monday night after the standoff. It said Moose "even tried to fire USIP’s private security team when said security team went to give access to Mr. Jackson."

The Metropolitan Police Department said Tuesday it arrived at the building the prior day at the request of the U.S. Attorney's office and confirmed Jackson was "lawfully in charge of the facility." Officers "contacted an individual who allowed MPD members inside of the building" and unauthorized staff left at Jackson's request, "and no arrests were made."