DOGE’s Departure from US Institute of Peace Leaves Behind Water Damage, Rats, and Roaches
The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is grappling with the aftermath of DOGE’s occupation of its Washington, D.C., headquarters. According to USIP Chief Executive George Moose, the Elon Musk-affiliated entity left the premises in a state of disrepair, plagued by water damage, rats, and roaches. This revelation comes in a sworn statement recently reported by Court Watch, intensifying the controversy surrounding DOGE’s brief control over the nonprofit [1].
The timing of Moose’s statement is significant, arriving shortly after a federal judge ruled DOGE’s takeover of USIP as illegal. Adding to the turmoil, Elon Musk has announced his departure from DOGE, although he and former President Trump have indicated he will continue to advise the administration.
DOGE’s presence at USIP began in mid-March, marked by a contentious standoff that led USIP to contact the police. Moose stated that DOGE staff had effectively “broken into” the headquarters, despite USIP’s independent status from the executive branch. The situation reflected broader concerns within USIP regarding the administration’s approach to foreign assistance, particularly in light of the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
While Moose initially suggested the headquarters appeared in reasonable condition during a press conference on May 21, a subsequent inspection revealed a different reality. On May 22, USIP staff conducted a thorough survey of the building, documenting numerous issues that had emerged during DOGE’s control.
Moose’s statement highlights that the headquarters were “essentially abandoned for many weeks” leading up to the judge’s ruling, during which time DOGE allegedly failed to maintain and secure the property. The presence of rats and roaches was specifically noted as a problem that arose during DOGE’s occupation.
“Vermin were not a problem prior to March 17, 2025, when USIP was actively using and maintaining the building,” Moose emphasized in his statement.
Additional issues identified by staff included poorly maintained vehicle barriers, water leaks, and missing ceiling tiles, suggesting potential water damage throughout the building.
In response to these findings, USIP has taken measures to secure the premises and address the maintenance issues. According to Moose, the organization has “engaged a private security firm to guard the building and premises” and has “taken over responsibility for the building’s maintenance.” [2].
