Mass Firings at U.S. Institute of Peace Amid Administration Changes

Empty office space at the U.S. Institute of Peace

News Summary

The Trump administration executed a mass firing at the U.S. Institute of Peace, affecting nearly all U.S.-based staff, just weeks after a leadership change. Termination notices were sent to around 200 to 300 employees, sparking legal battles over the legality of the dismissals. The context aligns with broader efforts to cut government spending and dismantle federal programs. The situation raises concerns for the future of the institute and its global peace initiatives.

Mass Firings Shake U.S. Institute of Peace

In a surprising turn of events, the Trump administration executed a mass firing at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) on March 28, 2025, affecting nearly all U.S.-based staff. The timing couldn’t be more ironic, coming just a couple of weeks after the abrupt removal of the institute’s congressionally appointed president, who was swiftly replaced by an appointee from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

A Late-Night Massacre

Described by USIP employees as a “Friday night massacre,” this term captures the gravity of the situation. Somewhere between 200 and 300 employees—almost the entire headquarters staff—received termination notices in the dead of the night. To make matters worse, many of those messages included errors like misspellings of names and even the title of the institute itself.

For those who were let go, the administration offered severance packages that included a month’s health insurance. However, there was a catch. Employees were required to waive their rights to sue the organization, leaving many in a tough position.

What’s Next for USIP?

While the total number of USIP employees globally is around 600, the majority of them were based in the U.S. Those who still have a job—primarily human resources and IT professionals—are likely retained to meet various statutory requirements. The USIP has been on a mission to promote peace globally, with significant involvement in regions like the Philippines, sub-Saharan Africa, and Ukraine.

Before these drastic measures were taken, USIP leaders had united in an effort to protect their personnel and programs from Musk’s elimination campaign. They argued that as a registered nonprofit organization, the USIP had certain protections established by Congress.

Legal Battles Ahead

In the wake of the mass firings, the USIP, along with its dismissed board, has initiated a lawsuit against DOGE, Trump, and members of his Cabinet. This legal action claims that the dismissals were unlawful since the USIP was established by Congress. A federal judge has already voiced criticism regarding the process of DOGE’s takeover but stopped short of granting a temporary restraining order to halt the terminations.

Additionally, former employees faced a pressing deadline. If they chose not to sign the separation agreement by March 31, 2025, they would lose all benefits, adding an additional layer of distress to an already turbulent situation.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about the USIP. The mass firings align with a trend from the Trump administration to drastically cut government spending. The administration sees many of its programs and agencies, including the USIP, as unnecessary. In fact, just last month, the administration signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the USIP altogether, claiming that the organization serves no meaningful purpose.

Established by Congress back in 1984, the USIP was designed as an independent, nonprofit organization focused on research and policy analysis for conflict resolution. It operates with a budget of around $55 million per year and boasts an endowment nearing $80 million.

While the dust settles on this mass termination, legal battles are expected to stretch into April 2025. Critics, especially Democrats, argue that DOGE has overstepped its boundaries by eliminating federally funded programs and departments that Congress put in place.

In a related move, the administration’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)—another target for cuts—suggest that the broader implications of these firings may continue to reverberate through various sectors of U.S. governance.

As the situation unfolds, many remain on edge about what the future holds for both USIP and the array of services it has provided worldwide for decades.