Although created by Congress in 1984 to work on conflict resolution, the Trump administration has essentially shuttered the institute, seeking to eliminate federal funding for USIP
President Donald Trump’s name has been added to the building and signage of the US Institute of Peace (USIP) — an independent institution that the administration effectively dismantled earlier this year.
The president’s name was placed on the Washington, DC, headquarters ahead of a planned peace agreement signing between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) scheduled for Thursday.
“Welcome to the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. The best is yet to come,” the State Department announced on X Wednesday, saying the institute had been renamed “to reflect the greatest dealmaker in our nation’s history.”
President Trump will be remembered by history as the President of Peace. It’s time our State Department display that. https://t.co/NBvmL5zksn
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) December 3, 2025
Although created by Congress in 1984 to work on conflict resolution, the Trump administration has essentially shuttered the institute, seeking to eliminate federal funding for USIP in its budget proposal for the next fiscal year. While USIP is not a federal agency and owns its headquarters, the administration’s seizure of the institution and its assets has prompted extensive legal battles.
In March, officials from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) attempted to forcibly enter the building, returning days later with police assistance. The administration removed most of USIP’s board that same month, and employees were dismissed in July following earlier termination notices issued in late March.
“Renaming the USIP building adds insult to injury,” said George Foote, counsel for former USIP leadership and staff, in a statement Wednesday. “A federal judge has already ruled that the government’s armed takeover was illegal. That judgment is stayed while the government appeals, which is the only reason the government continues to control the building. The rightful owners will ultimately prevail and will restore the U.S. Institute of Peace and the building to their statutory purposes.”
A former USIP official remarked of Trump: “It’s pretty ironic that he put his name on an institution he destroyed.”
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the renaming, arguing that USIP “was once a bloated, useless entity that blew $50 million per year while delivering no peace.”
“Now, the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace, which is both beautifully and aptly named after a President who ended eight wars in less than a year, will stand as a powerful reminder of what strong leadership can accomplish for global stability,” she said.
End of Article
