Dear USIP Friends and Supporters,
Below is a July 3rd press statement explaining the latest state of play on the USIP suit.
USIP Out of Building for a Second Time, Back in Court. Expects to Return Again
After giving up its building to DOGE for the second time, USIP expects to regain possession in litigation before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
Attributable to a Spokesperson on behalf of the USIP Plaintiffs:
In the ongoing dispute between the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE has taken control of the USIP building for the second time. The July 1 handover follows a June 27 decision by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. That decision granted the government’s request for a stay of Judge Beryl Howell’s May 19 ruling in favor of USIP plaintiffs, including members of the USIP Board of Directors.
On June 29, USIP filed a petition for review by the full D.C. Circuit Court seeking to vacate the June 27 decision of the three-judge panel. If granted, this request would allow USIP to regain control of the organization and retain possession of its building – which is private property and has never belonged to the government – while the government appeals Judge Howell’s May decision.
On July 1, The Court of Appeals ordered DOGE to respond to the USIP petition by July 11, 2025.
DOGE seized the privately-owned building in March of this year. USIP regained possession following Judge Howell’s ruling that the seizure was illegal, enjoining DOGE and administration officials from interfering with USIP operations. USIP has since been restoring its staff and programs and repairing the damage to the building that occurred during the DOGE occupancy.
DOGE has not yet filed a brief in its appeal of Judge Howell’s summary judgment decision.
Thank you for your interest and continuing support,
George and Judith