The Trump administration carried out mass firings at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) on Friday as part of a government-wide effort to reduce wasteful spending. Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that between 200 and 300 employees—nearly the entire headquarters staff—were terminated effective immediately.
The move follows President Trump’s February executive order aimed at dismantling the USIP, a congressionally funded institute with a $55 million budget that claims to promote global conflict resolution. The administration has also been working to freeze the organization’s funding and replace its board.
“Taxpayers don’t want to spend $50 million per year on a publicly funded ‘research institute’ that has failed to deliver peace,” White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said on Saturday. “President Trump ended the era of forever wars and established peace in his first term, and he is carrying out his mandate to eliminate bloat and save taxpayer dollars.”
Fired employees were notified via email, with one termination notice stating:
“Effective March 28, 2025, your employment with us will conclude.”
The firings come after a federal judge declined to issue a temporary restraining order preventing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from proceeding with the dismantling of USIP. The same day, the Trump administration also moved to formally close the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Earlier this month, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the cancellation of 239 federal contracts over a two-day period, aiming to reduce government spending and eliminate wasteful projects.
DOGE’s aggressive contract cancellations align with President Donald Trump’s efforts to rein in federal spending and eliminate programs deemed wasteful or politically driven. The administration estimates that these terminations will save taxpayers approximately $2.7 billion.
Supporters of DOGE’s measures argue that these steps are necessary to curtail unnecessary government spending and refocus resources on essential services. Critics, however, contend that eliminating DEI programs could undermine efforts to promote inclusivity and address systemic disparities.
DOGE’s aggressive approach to contract cancellations reflects the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. As the debate continues, the long-term effects of these actions on government operations and societal equity remain to be seen.
