Most Us Institute Of Peace Workers Get Late-night Word Of Their Mass Firing

Most employees at the U.S. Institute of Peace , a congressionally created and funded think tank now taken over by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, received email notices of their mass firing, the latest step in the Trump administration's government downsizing.

The emails, sent to personal accounts because most staff members had lost access to the organization's system, began going out about 9 p.m. Friday, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of fear of reprisal.

One former senior official at the institute said among those spared were several in the human resources department and a handful of overseas staffers who have until April 9 to return to the United States. The organization has about 300 people.

Others retained for now are regional vice presidents who will be working with the staff in their areas to return to the U.S., according to one employee who was affected.

An executive order last month from President Donald Trump targeted the organization, which seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, and three other agencies for closure. Board members, who are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, and the institute's president were fired. Later, there was a standoff between employees who blocked DOGE members from entering the institute's headquarters near the State Department. DOGE staff gained access in part with the help of the Washington police.