DOGE Uncovers Data Wipe at Peace Institute, Refers to DOJ

Investigation Shocks U.S. Institute of Peace

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has referred allegations of a massive data deletion at the U.S. Institute of Peace to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for investigation. On May 1, a DOGE staffer revealed that the institute's chief accountant allegedly deleted over a terabyte of accounting records shortly after DOGE gained access to the headquarters earlier this year. This action followed President Trump's executive order in February, which targeted the institute for closure as part of a broader effort to reduce federal bureaucracy.

The U.S. Institute of Peace, a congressionally funded nonprofit established in 1984, is tasked with preventing and resolving violent conflicts worldwide. DOGE's investigation into the institute uncovered what Musk described as attempts to conceal financial misconduct. 'They deleted a terabyte of financial data to cover their crimes, but they don't understand technology, so we recovered it,' Musk stated in a post on X on April 1.

Details of the Alleged Misconduct

According to a DOGE staffer speaking to Fox News host Jesse Watters on May 1, the deleted data included records of questionable financial transactions. Among the findings was a reported $130,000 contract with a former Taliban member, raising serious concerns about the institute's use of taxpayer funds. The staffer emphasized that the recovered data has been handed over to the FBI and DOJ for further scrutiny, stating, 'Congress would certainly want to know where the congressionally appropriated funds are going.'

Takeover and Staff Terminations

The controversy began when DOGE, accompanied by law enforcement, accessed the institute's Washington, D.C., headquarters in March. This followed a tense standoff where institute staff attempted to block DOGE's entry, citing the organization's independent status. After gaining access, DOGE replaced the institute's leadership, appointing Nate Cavanaugh as acting president, and nearly all 300 staff members were fired by late March, with termination notices sent out on March 29.

The institute's former president, George Moose, called the takeover 'an illegal takeover by elements of the executive branch of a private nonprofit' in a March statement. Despite legal challenges, a federal judge declined to block DOGE's actions, allowing the transfer of the institute's $500 million headquarters to the General Services Administration at no cost, a move finalized by April 1.

Broader Implications for Accountability

DOGE's actions align with President Trump's commitment to streamline government operations and ensure accountability. The referral to the DOJ underscores the administration's focus on rooting out waste and fraud. The institute's alleged attempt to erase financial records has sparked questions about oversight of congressionally funded organizations, with DOGE's recovery of the data highlighting the importance of technological expertise in government audits.

As the DOJ and FBI investigate, the case could set a precedent for how independent agencies handle financial transparency. The administration's swift response demonstrates its dedication to protecting taxpayer dollars and upholding integrity in government-funded institutions.