In a dramatic encounter that felt more like a raid than a government transition, operatives from Elon Musk’s ambitious, albeit controversial, ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ (DOGE) descended upon the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). George Foote, who served as outside general counsel for USIP and has been a staunch defender of its autonomy, recounted the jarring experience at WIRED’s recent Big Interview event. His vivid description painted a picture of a ‘strike team’ whose arrival was less about efficiency and more about disruptive force, leaving behind a bizarre scene and a clear message of intent.
A Forceful Entry: The DOGE ‘Strike Team’ at USIP
Foote’s recollection of the DOGE operatives’ arrival at the USIP headquarters in the spring was stark. "They came in like a ‘strike team,’" he told the captivated audience in San Francisco. The image he conjured was one of precision and aggression, a far cry from the typical bureaucratic transition. The aftermath of their visit was equally perplexing. While reports initially suggested a substantial amount of cannabis was left behind, a fellow panelist humorously clarified it was likely a much smaller quantity – perhaps a half-ounce. Regardless of the exact amount, the presence of illicit substances seemed an odd, almost surreal, detail in a government operation. More significantly, Foote observed that the DOGE team appeared to have "no idea what to do with the place." This apparent lack of direction, coupled with their forceful entry, led Foote to a powerful conclusion: DOGE "arrived as the brass knuckles on an authoritarian fist." He admitted to being unsure of Musk’s ultimate vision for DOGE, but was clear that its implementation had reached "a destructive level."
The Trump Administration’s Grip on USIP
The tension surrounding USIP wasn’t a sudden development. It stemmed from a February 2025 executive order from the Trump administration, which declared the independent agency "unnecessary" and called for its elimination. This initial move was followed by a significant escalation in March: the administration abruptly fired the 10 voting board members of USIP. Court filings later revealed a series of determined attempts by DOGE to gain access to the agency’s $500 million headquarters. Despite being initially turned away, the administration persisted, with DOGE operatives eventually succeeding in entering the building. The legal battle that ensued saw the agency’s lawyers detail these persistent efforts in court documents, underscoring the administration’s intent to seize control.
A Judicial Setback for DOGE
Ultimately, the administration’s aggressive maneuvers were thwarted. A judge ruled decisively that neither DOGE nor the US government possessed the legal authority to take control of USIP and its headquarters. This judicial intervention marked a significant victory for the institute and a clear rebuke of the administration’s strong-arm tactics. However, the saga continued to unfold with a symbolic, yet politically charged, act. Just this week, ahead of a significant peace agreement signing between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the USIP building, Donald Trump’s name was installed on the headquarters. According to Foote, this was a deliberate move by the former president "to assert control over the building," even as he continues to represent USIP directors in ongoing litigation challenging the legality of their removal from office.
The Broader Impact of DOGE: A Panel Discussion
Foote was not alone in his critique of the DOGE initiative. He was a key participant in a panel discussion at WIRED’s Big Interview event, hosted by senior writer Vittoria Elliott. The panel delved into the wider ramifications of DOGE’s ‘move-fast-break-things’ ethos. Joining Foote were Leland Dudek, former commissioner of the Social Security Administration, and Sahil Lavingia, a former DOGE engineer who revealed his return to government service at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Their conversation highlighted a concerning trend: many of the young technologists initially deployed by DOGE to various federal agencies are still embedded within government entities. WIRED’s reporting on Tuesday had already indicated this continuity. Names like Edward “Big Balls” Coristine, Akash Bobba, Ethan Shaotran, Marko Elez, and Gavin Kliger were cited as individuals who appear to maintain affiliations with either DOGE or the broader US government. One IRS employee, speaking anonymously, offered a stark assessment of this evolving landscape: "DOGE has ‘just transformed,’" they stated, implying a shift in tactics or a rebranding rather than a cessation of operations.
Defending the Rule of Law: A Call to Action
As the ripple effects of the DOGE experiment continue to spread, Foote emphasized the critical importance of public vigilance. He urged citizens to remain "eyes on" what is happening within government agencies, particularly concerning the integration of technology and the potential erosion of established norms. Despite the protracted legal battles and the lingering influence of DOGE, Foote expressed confidence in the USIP directors’ eventual victory in court. However, he underscored a fundamental truth about the resilience of democratic institutions: "The rule of law doesn’t matter if the people don’t stand up to defend it." His words served as a powerful reminder that the preservation of legal and ethical standards requires active participation and a commitment to defending those principles, even in the face of powerful and disruptive forces.
The insights shared at WIRED’s Big Interview paint a complex picture of technological ambition colliding with established governance. The DOGE saga at USIP is a potent case study in the challenges of rapid technological integration, the potential for authoritarian overreach, and the enduring importance of legal checks and balances. As these young technologists continue to operate within government, the lessons learned from events like the USIP confrontation will be crucial in shaping a future where innovation serves, rather than undermines, the public good and the principles of justice.