Federal Judge Allows DOGE to Keep $500 Million USIP Headquarters for Free

Federal Judge Beryl Howell has ruled that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) may continue using the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) headquarters, worth $500 million, free of charge. The decision came after the building was officially transferred to the General Services Administration (GSA).

Transfer Already Completed, Cannot Be Undone The judge stated that the transfer is no longer a proposal but a completed fact, making any effort to reverse it pointless. The building was handed over over the weekend after DOGE officials used a key from a former security contractor to gain access. Former USIP Employees Outraged USIP attorney George Foote compared the situation to “a thief stealing a television and the court saying nothing can be done.” He argued that DOGE’s actions were unlawful and arbitrary, even though the court has not blocked the transfer. Tensions escalated after the Trump administration removed 10 members of the USIP board on March 14, paving the way for the takeover. New Leadership and Mass Firings The Trump team first appointed former State Department official Kenneth Jackson as USIP president, who was later replaced by DOGE staffer Nate Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh then fired most USIP employees, effectively halting its operations. At the same time, Cavanaugh transferred the property to GSA without compensation, citing it as being “in the best interest of the government.” The move was backed by top Trump administration officials, including budget chief Russell Vought. USIP's Ownership and Legal Status Still Unclear Whether USIP is entirely a federal entity or an independent nonprofit remains unresolved. DOGE claims it’s a government corporation under GSA authority, while USIP attorneys point to the 1984 legislation, which describes it as an independent nonprofit. They also argue that the headquarters was built using private donations and should not be treated as federal property. What’s Next? Although Judge Howell rejected the request to reinstate the USIP board, she said the building’s ownership and USIP’s legal status will be clarified by the end of April. Until then, DOGE will retain control of the headquarters.

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