US Institute of Peace renamed in honor of Trump following budget cuts earlier this year

The US Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, DC, now bears the name of former President Donald Trump, with updated signage reflecting the change. This rebranding coincides with an upcoming ceremony for a peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) scheduled to take place at the institute.

The State Department announced the renaming on X, stating, Welcome to the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. The best is yet to come, and emphasized that the change honors the greatest dealmaker in our nations history.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration significantly reduced USIPs operations. Established by Congress in 1984 to address global conflicts, the institute faced budget cuts and proposed elimination of federal funding. While USIP is an independent entity that owns its headquarters, the administrations interventionsincluding control of the building and assetshave prompted extensive legal disputes.

In March, officials from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) attempted to gain entry to the headquarters, returning days later with law enforcement. The administration also dismissed most of USIPs board in March, with staff terminations following in July after initial notices in late March.

George Foote, attorney for former USIP leadership and staff, criticized the renaming, calling it adding insult to injury. He noted that a federal court had ruled the governments takeover illegal, though the ruling is stayed during the appeal process. The rightful owners will ultimately prevail and restore the U.S. Institute of Peace and the building to their statutory purposes, Foote said.

A former USIP official remarked on the irony of the move, observing that Trump attached his name to an institution he had dismantled.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly defended the decision, describing USIP as once a bloated, useless entity that spent $50 million per year without achieving peace. She added that the newly named Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace will serve as a symbol of decisive leadership and its impact on global stability.

Author: Caleb Jennings