Trump's decree seizes authority, leaving Washington's official body struggling to catch up
Output:
In the final installment of our series, we delve into the chaos unleashed by Donald Trump's second term as the US President, specifically focusing on his controversial use of executive orders and the creation of the "Department of Government Efficiency." On an evening in late March, 2025, Andrew Wells-Dang, a Southeast Asia analyst at the United States Institute of Peace, received an email at 10PM—on a Friday night—informing him that he had been terminated.
Far from being a personal blow, Wells-Dang was just one of nearly 300 colleagues receiving identical dismissal notices. Sent by a newly appointed human resources team in alphabetical order, Wells-Dang recalls, the emails cancelled everything.
The late-night layoffs were part of an executive order signed by Trump in February that afforded him the power, in the name of reducing government waste, to dismantle USIP—a conflict-prevention institution founded by Congress in 1984.
However, USIP leadership initially attempted to clarify their status and emphasize their independence from the White House. When Trump's administration didn't seem to understand the intricacies of the US government bureaucracy, USIP administration explained their role and commitment to staying operational.
The White House response, days later, was swift: George Moose, USIP's president since 2021, was fired along with 12 board members—all presidential appointees confirmed by the Senate.
Legal challenges ensued, including a lawsuit filed by former USIP officials contesting the unlawful dismantling of the institute. The lawsuit challenges the transfer of USIP's $500 million headquarters to the federal government, viewed as an illegal action. Additionally, the intervention raises concerns about the separation of powers and ethical governance principles, questioning the extent of executive authority and potential overreach.
This controversy showcases a broader pattern of executive actions by Trump, having been frequently challenged for legality and constitutionality. Many of these orders have landed in court, highlighting the judiciary's role as a check on executive power. And ultimately, the handling of the USIP case underscores the importance of maintaining the independence of government agencies and ensuring they remain outside partisan influence.
- Andrew Wells-Dang, being an executive at the United States Institute of Peace, was unexpectedly terminated along with nearly 300 colleagues as part of an executive order signed by President Trump.
- The executive order empowered Trump to dismantle USIP, a conflict-prevention institution founded by Congress, under the guise of reducing government waste.
- The dismissal of USIP's president, George Moose, and 12 board members sparked legal challenges, including a lawsuit contesting the unlawful dismantling of the institute.
- This case highlights the need for the independence of government agencies, as demonstrated by the judiciary's role in checking executive power, ensuring separation of powers, and preserving ethical governance principles.
