Former US Institute of Peace (USIP) staffers claim the Trump administration's plans for a $500 million USIP building may violate a court order. The State Department is set to take over the building, which was seized from the USIP last year, possibly for use by President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace."
According to a letter sent to the Department of Justice, representatives on behalf of the fired USIP board and president allege that the administration is making physical changes to the building without permission. The letter requests information about an alleged agreement with the State Department to house hundreds of employees at the USIP building.
In December 2024, the Trump administration renamed the building the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, but this appears to have been only the beginning. Construction is reportedly underway to modify working spaces in the USIP building. The renovations, the letter alleges, could impose substantial and expensive obstacles if USIP ultimately wins back control of the building.
The alleged agreement would make hundreds of State Department employees use USIP's facilities, with the organization responsible for upkeep and security costs. However, former USIP staff claim that this arrangement is a misuse of donor money and an improper use of government funds.
A court order from last month states that the Trump administration cannot use the USIP building in this way. The Department of Justice has not commented on the allegations yet.
According to a letter sent to the Department of Justice, representatives on behalf of the fired USIP board and president allege that the administration is making physical changes to the building without permission. The letter requests information about an alleged agreement with the State Department to house hundreds of employees at the USIP building.
In December 2024, the Trump administration renamed the building the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, but this appears to have been only the beginning. Construction is reportedly underway to modify working spaces in the USIP building. The renovations, the letter alleges, could impose substantial and expensive obstacles if USIP ultimately wins back control of the building.
The alleged agreement would make hundreds of State Department employees use USIP's facilities, with the organization responsible for upkeep and security costs. However, former USIP staff claim that this arrangement is a misuse of donor money and an improper use of government funds.
A court order from last month states that the Trump administration cannot use the USIP building in this way. The Department of Justice has not commented on the allegations yet.