A federal judge on Wednesday declined to order the removal of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from the US Institute of Peace (USIP) headquarters or reinstate the dismissed board members while legal proceedings over DOGE’s takeover of the independent organization continue.

Despite USIP’s request for a temporary restraining order, District Judge Beryl Howell, appointed by former President Obama, denied the motion. However, she criticized DOGE’s use of armed law enforcement to forcibly enter the non-profit’s premises earlier in the week.

The lawsuit was filed in Washington, DC, after DOGE personnel, accompanied by DC police officers, gained entry to the USIP building on Monday—just days after being turned away. This escalation followed the Trump administration’s move on Friday to overhaul the organization’s board.

"Are you even slightly offended by how this was carried out?" Judge Howell asked Department of Justice attorney Brian Hudak during Wednesday’s proceedings. When Hudak began to respond, she cut him off, adding, "I have to say, I’m offended on behalf of the Americans who have served this country, only to be treated so disgracefully—let alone the board members."

Despite her concerns, Judge Howell stated that the manner in which the takeover was executed would not influence her legal assessment of whether to grant a restraining order. She emphasized the need for further legal review regarding whether USIP operates under the executive branch and whether the statute governing board member removals is legally enforceable.

In its lawsuit, USIP is seeking immediate court intervention to prevent what it calls the “unlawful dismantling” of the institution, arguing that the takeover threatens its mission of promoting peace and conflict resolution. Established in 1984 as an independent, nonpartisan entity, USIP is not a federal agency and owns its headquarters.

A declaration from USIP’s chief security officer, included in the court filing, claims that a USIP employee with the technological ability to grant access to the institute’s infrastructure was en route to Washington, DC, at DOGE’s request. The document suggests that the employee was expected to facilitate DOGE’s access as early as the night of March 18, 2025.

Another memorandum supporting the lawsuit alleges that individuals working with DOGE are currently inside USIP’s headquarters, causing physical damage and tampering with financial records. A submitted photograph shows a trash can filled with shredded documents, some appearing to contain financial information.

The complaint argues that these actions—alleged destruction of records and unauthorized modifications—are causing “irreparable harm” to USIP. The suit calls for a court order to prevent DOGE from trespassing on USIP property, accessing its offices, systems, and records, or acting on behalf of the institute in any capacity. It also seeks to block the use of USIP’s name, seal, or insignia.

Additionally, the lawsuit requests that the court declare the Trump administration’s attempt to remove the USIP board and its acting president “null and void.” It argues that board members can only be removed if it is legally justified and explicitly approved by the court.

Under the USIP Act, most of the bipartisan board members are appointed by the president with Senate approval. Last week, the White House announced the termination of most board members, including a former US ambassador to Russia under President Trump. The lawsuit states that the termination emails from the White House Office of Presidential Personnel provided no justification.

Following these dismissals, the remaining three board members—Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Defense University President Peter Garvin—removed acting USIP President George Moose and installed Trump appointee Kenneth Jackson in his place. The lawsuit challenges Jackson’s appointment and asks the court to reaffirm that Moose remains the rightful leader of the institute.