The Trump administration on Thursday indicated that the U.S. Institute of Peace is on the right path to follow President Donald Trump's executive orders, after it previously engaged in a standoff with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The congressionally funded organization, whose board is appointed by the president and must include the secretaries of state and defense and president of National Defense University, engaged in the standoff with the administration earlier this week in hopes of avoiding downsizing the organization. 

The Trump administration fired 11 of the organization's 14 board members after it failed to comply with the downsizing order, which was upheld by a federal judge Beryl Howell on Wednesday, per Fox News. 

"The ruling by a U.S. District Court affirms the President’s clear authority to appoint and remove board members, ensuring that the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) operates in alignment with executive directives," a Trump official told the outlet on Thursday. "This decision reinforces the President’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and effective governance." 

The USIP also elected a new head of its agency, Kenneth Jackson, a State Department official, after Trump's firings.

"With Mr. Jackson lawfully appointed as Acting President, USIP is now on the right path to fully comply with the President’s February 19th Executive Order and uphold its responsibility to the American people," the administration official said.

Howell refused to issue a temporary restraining order against DOGE's takeover, saying the board members who were removed likely don't have legal standing to sue. 

The development comes after institute staff physically removed locks from exterior doors, "effectively destroying entry mechanisms," before DOGE could enter its building at the far west end of the National Mall. USIP leaders also disconnected information technology infrastructure including phonelines and internet connections, "forcing communication among staff through walkie-talkies," according to the Daily Caller News Foundation.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.