Leavitt criticizes resistance at U.S. Institute of Peace

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke out against George Moose, the former head of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP). She said he and other employees were blocking efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce the size of the agency. On Monday, law enforcement had to physically escort Moose from the building after a standoff with DOGE staff. Reports suggest the agency had removed locks and disabled internet access to hinder DOGE employees from entering. Leavitt referenced information from sources at DOGE and the State Department during a press conference. She described the situation as a deliberate act by "rogue bureaucrats" at the USIP. Their goal was reportedly to shut themselves inside the building to prevent staff appointed by the Trump administration from doing their jobs. Meanwhile, five former board members of the USIP filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. They claim their firings were illegal and are seeking court action to stop what they see as an unlawful dismantling of the agency. The USIP has been working to end global conflicts since its establishment by Congress in 1984. Leavitt dismissed the board members’ complaints as resistance to the changes the Trump administration wants to make. She stated that the actions by the USIP staff were unacceptable and against the mandate for change that President Trump received from the voters.