Americas

Americas

U.S. Institute of Peace lays off most staff members

30 March 2025 05:00 (UTC +04:00)

All but a small group of U.S. Institute of Peace employees received formal termination notices Friday evening, effective immediately, individuals familiar told NBC News, APA reports.

This ends the employment of almost everyone at the USIP building on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. The employees who remain active may include senior officials who are expected to help shutter offices overseas, as well as some human resources officials, all of whom are expected to be ultimately terminated.

George M. Foote, outside general counsel to USIP, wrote in a statement Saturday night that the "dismissal of U.S. Institute of Peace employees in the dark of night is unconscionable and deeply troubling. The Institute’s employees are fiercely dedicated to their important work, and they don’t deserve to be treated with such disrespect."

Foote added: "This action only adds urgency to the complaint that has been filed to halt and reverse the Administration’s unlawful attempt to dismantle the Institute. We will continue to press this matter in court, where we are confident we will prevail.”