“Null and Void”: Federal Court Reinstates US Institute of Peace President, Declares DOGE Takeover Illegal
A federal judge has struck down the questionable takeover of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) by DOGE, a move that has raised eyebrows and questions about authority and legality in government operations. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, an appointee of former President Obama, ruled that the actions taken by the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency were not only unlawful but also had to be declared “null and void.”
In her ruling, Judge Howell reinstated ousted Acting USIP President George Moose, effectively banishing DOGE personnel from the USIP premises. The decision was a resounding affirmation of the principle that even in the murky waters of political maneuvering, there are lines that cannot be crossed.
“The removal of USIP’s president, his replacement by officials affiliated with DOGE, the termination of nearly all of USIP’s staff, and the transfer of USIP property to the General Services Administration,” Judge Howell stated, were “effectuated by illegitimately-installed leaders who lacked legal authority to take these actions, which must therefore be declared null and void.”
The USIP, established in 1984 during the Reagan administration, has been a stalwart in promoting peace and conflict resolution. The saga took a turn when Moose, a veteran of the Clinton administration, refused to vacate his position after an executive order was signed by Trump that aimed to reduce the USIP to its “statutory minimum.” This set the stage for a dramatic standoff in March, which saw law enforcement called in as DOGE attempted to evict Moose.
“Mr. Moose denied lawful access to Kenneth Jackson, the Acting USIP President (as approved by the USIP Board). The Department of Government Efficiency’s personnel were forced to seek police intervention,” a DOGE tweet recounted.
Metro police confirmed their involvement, stating, “MPD members went to the USIP building and contacted an individual who allowed MPD members inside of the building. Once inside, the acting USIP President requested that all unauthorized individuals leave.” Moose was eventually escorted out without incident, sparing the need for more dramatic confrontations.
The USIP subsequently filed a lawsuit to prevent the DOGE takeover, and Judge Howell’s previous denial of an emergency Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) seemed only to add fuel to the fire of the legal battle. During court proceedings, she expressed her outrage over the treatment of Moose, noting that such actions were offensive to the public trust and service that the USIP represents.
“I’m offended on behalf of the American citizens who have done so much, as I just said, with Mr. Moose himself, so much service to this country to be treated so abominably,” Howell remarked, directing her ire towards Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hudak.
In a moment of unintended humor, Hudak countered Howell’s sentiments by stating, “If I’m fired and I decide to barricade myself into the U.S. attorney’s office… I’m assuming some of my colleagues would say, ‘Brian, what are you doing? Here’s your termination letter, you need to leave.’”
Clearly, the absurdity of the situation was not lost on the judge, who found it more egregious that DOGE resorted to using law enforcement to remove Moose rather than addressing the legality of the actions taken against him.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond the walls of the USIP, raising questions about the legitimacy of actions taken by those claiming authority without proper legal backing. In an era where the boundaries of institutional power are being tested, this decision might serve as a critical reminder that legality and ethics must guide political maneuvering.
As George Moose himself has called the DOGE efforts an “illegal takeover,” the court’s ruling reinforces the idea that while power can be wielded, it must always be rooted in lawful authority. The unfolding drama at the USIP is a microcosm of larger trends in governance—where the lines between authority and overreach continue to blur.
The post “Null and Void” – Obama Judge Beryl Howell Rules DOGE Takeover of Institute of Peace is Illegal – Reinstalls Fired/Evicted President of USIP appeared first on .
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