US federal judge grants DOGE control of $500 million US office building

A US federal judge has allowed the Elon Musk-backed DOGE team to seize control of a $500 million office building in Washington, DC, following a lengthy legal standoff with the United States Institute of Peace (USIP).

On April 1, US District Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the General Services Administration could officially take ownership of the headquarters building, Caliber.Az reports, referencing US media.

Remarkably, the transfer of the building—and all its contents—had already occurred on March 29, according to Howell’s ruling. 

"The deal is no longer merely ‘proposed’ but done," Howell wrote, declaring the matter settled, "rendering plaintiffs’ requested relief moot as to that property."

However, George Foote, the USIP's longstanding outside general counsel, expressed bewilderment at the judge's reasoning. "That’s like letting a burglar break into your house, steal your TV, and have the court say well, there’s no TV to adjudicate, so I can’t do anything about it," Foote argued, clearly perplexed by the decision.

Judge Howell, in her ruling, acknowledged the complexity of the case, noting continued uncertainty regarding USIP's classification as either an ‘independent establishment’ or a ‘Government corporation’. "Ambiguity persists given the paucity of apposite law regarding USIP's proper classification," she stated, indicating that the status of USIP—whether it falls under the executive branch or not—remains a key issue.

Previously, Judge Howell had rejected a request from USIP for a temporary restraining order that would have reinstated the institute’s board, further complicating the legal proceedings. Despite the ruling, the transfers may not be final.

"This issue will be more fully addressed in the expedited summary judgment briefing being prepared by the parties," Howell said, leaving open the possibility of a larger legal decision regarding USIP’s board.

Foote remains hopeful that USIP may reclaim the building if the final judgment favours the institute. However, he has cautioned that complications could arise. "Who knows, they might try to sell the building. They can complicate the title, they can make it very hard for us to fix things," Foote said, suggesting the legal battle may continue even if USIP wins the case.

The final ruling in this case is expected at the end of April.

By Aghakazim Guliyev