A clash over government downsizing erupted in Washington after officials from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) were denied entry to the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) headquarters. The standoff has resulted in a legal battle between the Trump administration and USADF President Ward Brehm, who is resisting efforts to restructure his agency.
On Friday, DOGE officials arrived at USADF’s office, only to find the doors locked. Staff members reportedly refused to allow them access under Brehm’s direction. When they returned the next day with U.S. Marshals, the Department of Justice confirmed they had the right to enter the building.
THE SWAMP IS DEEP AS BUREAUCRATS TRY TO FIGHT AGAINST TRUMP'S ORDERS. So, the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) employees and the organization's President worked with employees to lock the doors to DOGE. Now, I am not a lawyer, but any federal organization that thinks… pic.twitter.com/R3k94LxqxW
— CICNEWS4YOU (Conservative, Trump, Freedom) (@cicnews4you) March 9, 2025
Brehm has since filed a lawsuit, arguing that DOGE’s actions amount to “unlawful overreach” and seeking legal protection to keep his position. His complaint states that his removal would violate federal law and interfere with the agency’s mission.
The White House responded by reaffirming its authority to restructure government agencies. President Donald Trump signed an executive order scaling back the USADF’s size and appointing Peter Marocco as acting Chairman of the Board. A White House official criticized Brehm’s defiance, stating that agency heads cannot block federal oversight or override presidential directives.
A federal judge has temporarily paused Brehm’s removal while the lawsuit proceeds. However, the administration remains committed to its plan to streamline government operations. Trump has praised DOGE’s efforts, emphasizing the need to eliminate unnecessary spending and reduce bureaucratic resistance.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between holdovers from previous administrations and Trump’s push to reshape federal agencies.
