Bell Leads Colleagues in Condemning Trump Administration Firings at U.S. Institute of Peace

Washington, D.C.- Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) led 27 of his colleagues in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemning the Trump Administration's recent firings of employees at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), and expressing alarm at broader efforts to dismantle the institution without Congressional approval.

Founded by Congress in 1984, USIP is an independent, nonpartisan institution dedicated to preventing conflict and promoting peace through research, training, and direct engagement in some of the world's most fragile regions. USIP plays a unique role in supporting U.S. national security and foreign policy by strengthening local capacities for conflict resolution and advancing American values abroad.

"USIP's work is indispensable to addressing the most pressing challenges of our time, including violent conflict, fragile states, and humanitarian crises. The loss of experienced and dedicated professionals within the organization weakens our nation's ability to respond effectively to global peacebuilding efforts. Furthermore, dismantling such a vital organization sends the troubling message that we are no longer committed to peace and diplomacy," wrote Rep. Bell and 27 colleagues.

"This is another attempt by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to further implement inefficiency, and streamline unauthorized executive power, which will only weaken our global standing. As a private, nonprofit, Musk and President Trump do not have the authority to shut down USIP, an organization created and funded partially by Congress. USIP has nearly an $80 million endowment from private donors, has its own building on land authorized for use by Congress, and its workers are not federal employees," continued the lawmakers.

"We urge you to combat these efforts to dismantle USIP and prevent irreversible damage from occurring. The Administration cannot unilaterally modify USIP's mandate, structure, or budget without Congress. Congress must be involved in decisions about the organization's future. Peacebuilding and diplomacy should remain at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy, and USIP must be allowed to continue its vital work without political interference," concluded the lawmakers.

The letter was signed by Representatives Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Gerald Connolly (D-Va.), James McGovern (D-Mass.), Eleanor Norton (D-D.C.), Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Norma Torres (D-Calif.), Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Ed Case (D-Hawaii), Dina DeGette (D-Colo.), André Carson (D-Ind.), and Dave Min (D-Calif.).

Read the full text of the letter here.

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