The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) headquarters in Washington, D.C., has been left in a state of disarray following its controversial occupation by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), according to a sworn statement from USIP chief executive George Moose. The revelations come days after a federal judge ruled that DOGE’s takeover of the nonprofit was illegal, and amid ongoing scrutiny over the administration’s handling of federal agencies.
Moose detailed significant damage to the building, including water leaks, missing ceiling tiles, and evidence of rodent and insect infestations. “Vermin were not a problem prior to March 17, 2025, when USIP was actively using and maintaining the building,” he stated, emphasizing that the issues arose after DOGE assumed control. Staff inspections revealed neglected maintenance, poorly secured vehicle barriers, and widespread water damage that compromised the facility’s integrity.
The conflicts between USIP and DOGE began in mid-March when Musk’s team forcibly entered the nonprofit’s headquarters, prompting USIP to involve law enforcement. Moose criticized the administration’s broader efforts to dismantle foreign assistance programs, citing parallels to the dissolution of the United States Agency for International Development. Despite initial assurances that the building remained intact following the court’s ruling, subsequent inspections uncovered extensive deterioration, suggesting the premises had been abandoned for weeks.
In response, USIP has taken steps to secure the property by hiring a private security firm and assuming responsibility for repairs. The situation underscores growing tensions between federal entities and independent organizations amid shifts in administrative priorities.
