Federal Marshals Escort Government Officials into U.S. African Development Foundation Amid Standoff
Introduction to the Standoff
On Thursday, a dramatic scene unfolded at the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) as federal marshals escorted officials from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) into the building. This followed a tense standoff between the foundation’s leadership and the Trump administration. The USADF, with its 55 employees and $45 million annual budget, found itself at the center of a power struggle when its leaders refused entry to DOGE officials and Pete Marocco, the State Department official overseeing foreign aid. The situation escalated when security officials were directed to change the agency’s locks, signaling a takeover by the administration.
The Takeover and Lockdown
The takeover marked the culmination of weeks of tension. Mr. Marocco, accompanied by DOGE officials, gained entry separately, with security personnel later changing the locks. This move was met with swift legal action as Ward Brehm, USADF’s president, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The lawsuit sought to block Mr. Marocco’s appointment as acting leader and prevent staff dismissals. Mr. Brehm’s complaint emphasized the urgency, warning of irreparable damage if the administration’s actions were not halted.
The Lawsuit and Resistance
Within an hour of the officials’ arrival, Mr. Brehm’s legal team acted, filing an injunction to prevent his ousting and Mr. Marocco’s installation. The lawsuit alleged that administration officials had attempted to enter under false pretenses and ignore legal requirements. Mr. Brehm and the board reinstated him as president after Mr. Marocco’s self-appointment, showing their resolve to resist the takeover. The court’s intervention was sought to uphold the foundation’s autonomy and statutory obligations.
The White House’s Defense
The White House defended its actions, dismissing allegations of unlawfulness. Spokeswoman Anna Kelly asserted the administration’s authority to reduce staff and appoint Mr. Marocco, characterizing the resistance as defiance by rogue bureaucrats. She argued that President Trump’s executive orders were within his authority, aiming to streamline government operations. The administration maintained its actions were lawful and necessary for efficiency, despite objections from the foundation’s staff and board.
Background on the U.S. African Development Foundation
Before the takeover, the USADF focused on empowering African communities through grants to grassroots enterprises. However, an executive order by President Trump in February targeted the foundation as unnecessary, prompting DOGE, led by Elon Musk, to initiate program cuts and leadership changes. Despite resistance, the administration pressed on, highlighting the foundation’sperature in its crosshairs.
Ongoing Developments and Uncertainty
As the situation evolved, DOGE representatives remained in the building, signaling a prolonged takeover. The legal battle and potential court intervention loomed large, with the foundation’s future hanging in the balance. The clash reflected broader tensions between the administration and agencies resisting budget cuts and leadership changes. The outcome of Mr. Brehm’s lawsuit would determine the foundation’s trajectory, as it sought to preserve its mission against administrative directives.
