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USIP building renamed after Trump
The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington now bears former President Donald Trump's name following a Department of State decision on Wednesday. Large block letters spelling "Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace" were installed on the building's facade before a Thursday ceremony to sign a peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
State Department justifies rebranding
The State Department announced the change on social media, calling Trump "the greatest dealmaker in our nation's history" and adding, "the best is yet to come." White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly reposted the announcement with the caption, "Congratulations, world." Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the move, describing Trump as the "President of Peace" and urging the department to "display that."
Legal battle over USIP control
The USIP, founded as an independent, non-profit think tank funded by Congress, has been at the center of a dispute since Trump's administration sought to reduce its staff and budget. Earlier this year, the building became a focal point in a broader effort by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) to cut federal spending. The Trump administration replaced USIP leadership and removed staff until a federal judge ruled the takeover illegal. The case remains under appeal, allowing the administration to retain control of the building.
"A federal judge has already ruled that the government's armed takeover was illegal. That judgement is stayed while the government appeals, which is the only reason the government continues to control the building."
George Foote, lawyer for former USIP leadership
USIP's mission statement unchanged
Despite the rebranding, the USIP's website still describes the organization as "the nation's independent, nonpartisan institute that supports the Executive Branch in resolving violent conflict abroad."
Trump's history of rebranding
Since beginning his second term in January, Trump has overseen several high-profile renamings. The Department of Defense was rebranded as the Department of War, the Gulf of Mexico was renamed the Gulf of America, and Denali was reverted to Mount McKinley. Republican lawmakers have also proposed additional changes, including a bill to rename Dulles International Airport after Trump and a proposal for a $500 bill featuring his portrait.
Reactions and next steps
George Foote, representing former USIP staff, criticized the renaming as "adding insult to injury." The peace agreement signing between Rwanda and the DRC on Thursday will be the first major event held at the newly rebranded building. The legal battle over USIP's future remains unresolved, with the case still pending in the courts.
