U.S. Institute of Peace staff receive termination notices, sources say
The U.S. Institute of Peace made headlines on Friday as staff members were abruptly informed of their immediate termination, according to sources familiar with the situation. While it remains unclear if the terminations impact the entire organization, multiple departments within the nonprofit were reportedly affected by the sudden decision.
The Trump administration’s efforts to freeze the institute’s funding and overhaul its board have been ongoing. In February, President Trump signed an executive order targeting the dismantling of the USIP, a congressionally funded organization with a mission to promote conflict resolution and prevent conflicts on a global scale.
With approximately 300 employees and a budget of around $55 million, the USIP plays a crucial role in international peace efforts. However, the recent wave of terminations has sent shockwaves through the organization. Employees received notification of their termination via email from a USIP address, informing them that their employment would conclude effective immediately.
Earlier in the month, a federal judge declined to issue a temporary restraining order to halt the Department of Government Efficiency’s takeover of the USIP. Despite criticisms of the handling of the situation, the judge did not intervene to stop the process. This development has sparked outrage, with George M. Foote, outside general counsel for USIP, condemning the terminations as “unconscionable and deeply troubling.”
The terminations at USIP coincided with the Trump administration’s move to formally close the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on the same day. Established by Congress in 1984 during President Ronald Reagan’s administration, USIP has served as an independent, nonprofit corporation dedicated to peacebuilding efforts.
In response to the developments, the White House press deputy secretary, Anna Kelly, defended the administration’s actions, citing a need to eliminate inefficiencies and save taxpayer dollars. However, critics argue that the abrupt terminations and dismantling of these organizations undermine critical peacebuilding efforts and jeopardize global stability.
As the situation continues to unfold, the fate of USIP and its employees remains uncertain. The ongoing legal battle and public scrutiny underscore the challenges facing organizations dedicated to conflict resolution and peacebuilding in an increasingly turbulent world.
