The U.S. Institute of Peace, once a beacon for conflict resolution, now bears President Trump's name and operates under State Department oversight. $500 million headquarters access ceded last November. Former staff locked out after March 2026 takeover attempt. Legal battle persists despite judge's 'gross usurpation' ruling. Trump's name added to facade during December Rwanda-Congo peace signing ceremony.

Institute's hybrid status sparks fight over executive branch overreach. 11 Democratic senators demand transparency by April 1. Former staff now fund mini-grant program for peace-builders. Peace summit convened days after Iran war threat. Institute's mission faces dismantling amid Cold War-era creation's legacy.