Judge declines to block DOGE takeover of US Institute of Peace while legal challenge plays out

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CNN Politics

Updated 12:34 AM EDT, Thu March 20, 2025


(CNN) — A federal judge on Wednesday declined to remove the Department of Government Efficiency from the US Institute of Peace building or reinstate fired board members while a legal challenge to DOGE’s takeover of the independent organization plays out. While District Judge Beryl Howell declined to grant USIP’s request for a temporary restraining order, the Obama-appointed judge expressed disappointment in DOGE’s use of armed law enforcement to enter the non profit’s building earlier this week.

The suit was filed in DC District Court after DOGE personnel, accompanied by DC police officers, gained access to USIP’s building Monday after being turned away last week. That dramatic escalation followed the Trump administration’s Friday gutting of the organization’s board.

“Are you the least bit offended by how this was executed?” Howell asked Department of Justice attorney Brian Hudak on Wednesday. “I’ll answer the question this way…” Hudak began before she cut him off. “Because I have to say I’m offended on behalf of the Americans that did so much service for the country to be treated so abominably, not to say the directors on the board,” Howell said.

The judge, however, said she needs further briefing on whether the non-profit is functioning under the executive branch and whether the violated statute outlining how board members are removed is actually lawful on its own.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/19/politics/us-institute-of-peace-sues-after-doge-takeover/index.html

---

REFERENCE - https://www.democraticunderground.com/10143421758

It seems that anything "borderline" or "quasi" is being wrested under fascist control and then destroyed.

[Lovie777]

1. So dog-e can take by gun point any business?...................

[FBaggins]

9. No - but this isn't just any business

The question for the courts is how "independent" can Congress make a created entity.

[Irish_Dem]

2. Doge criminals can use armed police to illegally seize anyone's property.

Judge does not give a damn.

[WorkDoctor]

5. Beryl Howell is one of the very good ones.

Her record of standing up to rump is impeccable. This has to be based on a technicality. Check out her record. This will be reversed soon (I hope).

[Irish_Dem]

7. Even the good ones are falling in line.

Time will tell if she does the right thing or not.

Amazing what bribes and threats will do to a person.

[Irish_Dem]

3. Agencies need to arm themselves?

Like Rachel Maddow said last night.
We will start having shoot outs like the Old West.

[SSJVegeta]

4. Well. At least he's concerned

🙄

[WorkDoctor]

6. It's the trashing of the invaded places that also pisses me off

The thugs come in and break furniture and remove all signage. There are pics. What's that all about? Petty, tantrum-throwing children. Who does it? The dogey TraitorTots? or did the FBI, US Marshals and DC Police assist in the vandalism?

[LiberalArkie]

8. Since this appears ok to the courts, can we guess when DOGE will stage a take over of Congress as it also receives

federal funding? I am wondering when the Democratic National Committee will be raided this time, but by the police and out in the open instead of in the middle of the night since opposing party members sometimes go there. Are they going there to oppose President Musk or Mr Trump? Only an investigation will tell.

[Karasu]

10. I have no idea why so many courts are ruling in favor of this "department" when it doesn't even fucking legally exist.