Attorney Foote characterizes the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) aggressive campaign against the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) as a destructive display of authoritarian force. Speaking at a recent panel, the former USIP lawyer detailed how DOGE operatives attempted to dismantle the independent agency following a February 19 executive order that branded the institution “unnecessary.” The conflict, which escalated from administrative firings to physical attempts to seize the agency’s $500 million headquarters, highlights a widening rift between the Trump administration’s efficiency mandates and the rule of law.
The Botched Occupation and Administrative Purge
The transition into the USIP facilities appeared disorganized and unprofessional, according to eyewitness accounts. Foote noted that the DOGE team left behind a small quantity of cannabis—estimated by other panelists to be approximately a half-ounce—and seemed to lack a coherent strategy for managing the institution. “They arrived as the brass knuckles on an authoritarian fist,” Foote stated, emphasizing that while Elon Musk’s specific intentions for the agency remain unclear, the execution reached a “destructive level.”
This disruption followed a March directive where the administration terminated all 10 voting board members of the USIP. Court filings reveal a persistent effort by DOGE operatives to gain unauthorized entry into the high-value headquarters. Although initial attempts were rebuffed, the operatives eventually gained access, leading to a significant legal battle. Ultimately, a judge determined that DOGE and the federal government lacked the legal authority to seize control of the USIP or its physical assets.
Symbolic Control Amid Diplomatic Proceedings
Despite the judicial setback, the administration continues to assert its presence through symbolic gestures. This week, workers installed President Trump’s name on the USIP headquarters, timed specifically for the signing of a peace treaty between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Foote, who currently represents USIP directors in a lawsuit challenging their removal, argues that the choice of venue serves as a calculated move to project dominance over the building.
The discussion, moderated by WIRED senior writer Vittoria Elliott, explored the broader ramifications of DOGE’s “move-fast-break-things” philosophy. The panel featured diverse perspectives, including former Social Security Administration commissioner Leland Dudek and former DOGE engineer Sahil Lavingia. Notably, Lavingia revealed during the session that he has returned to government service within the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The Evolution of DOGE Personnel in Federal Agencies
While the initial shock of DOGE’s interventions may have subsided, the influence of its personnel remains embedded within the federal bureaucracy. Several young technologists deployed by DOGE continue to hold positions or maintain affiliations with government entities. Key figures identified in this ongoing integration include:
- Edward “Big Balls” Coristine
- Akash Bobba
- Ethan Shaotran
- Marko Elez
- Gavin Kliger
An IRS employee confirmed to WIRED that the initiative has not disappeared but has instead “just transformed.” This persistence suggests that the DOGE ethos continues to permeate federal operations through individual actors even as high-profile legal battles continue. Foote maintains that the outcome of the USIP directors’ lawsuit will be a pivotal moment for institutional independence, asserting that the public must actively defend the rule of law to ensure its survival.
