The United States Institute of Peace’s top official stated that the transition of the organization’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency resulted in the presence of “rats and roaches in the building.”
DOGE, a program aimed at significantly reducing federal spending, dismissed most of USIP’s board members and laid off almost all of its U.S.-based employees. The nonprofit, founded in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan to advance international peace, is funded by Congress.
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Recently, a federal judge halted the Trump administration’s dismantling of USIP, ruling that the organization was unlawfully taken over by DOGE through forceful means with the assistance of law enforcement officers from various agencies.
In a sworn statement submitted last week, USIP President and CEO George E. Moose, who reclaimed his position post-firing, revealed that during DOGE’s rule, the D.C. headquarters were neglected and lacked adequate protection and maintenance.
Moose detailed the deficient conditions upon their return to the building, which included minimal security guards and cleaning staff. Subsequently, the staff observed evidence of rats and roaches left behind by DOGE.
Moose informed the court that vermin were not a concern before USIP actively utilized the building. Additionally, maintenance issues such as water leaks, damaged garage doors, missing ceiling tiles, and neglected vehicle barriers and cooling tower were noted.
Moose also mentioned graffiti on outside spaces traced back to the days preceding their regained control of the building.
He has since hired a private security firm for building protection and has taken charge of maintenance responsibilities.
