Bodycam footage reveals tense standoff during Trump admin’s takeover of US Institute of Peace

The Metropolitan Police Department released hours of body-worn camera video after a court ordered the department to make the footage public as part of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed by independent journalist Marisa Kabas, and a judge ruled that the department had to release the full, unredacted footage.

The video shows DC officers coordinating with DOGE officials during the standoff at the institute’s Washington headquarters on March 17, 2025. The takeover came as the Trump administration moved to cut wasteful and unnecessary spending through DOGE.

The confrontation began after Trump fired much of the USIP’s leadership as part of an executive order targeting several government-funded organizations for reform. The remaining board members appointed Kenneth Jackson as acting president of the institute.

When DOGE officials arrived at the institute’s headquarters, staff members locked the building and refused to grant them access. Several staff members stayed inside the building as the dispute took place. Bodycam footage showed PD Cmdr. Jason Bagshaw meeting with Jackson and other officials before entering the building. Jackson told officers he needed their assistance to gain access and remove personnel.

“So, the goal right now is to get access to the building and then basically everybody has to go,” Bagshaw said in the footage.

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Staffers inside the building believed police were called to respond to trespassing by DOGE officials. However, once officers entered, additional police allowed Jackson and the DOGE officials inside. The footage showed lawyers for the institute confronting police as tensions escalated. One attorney questioned why police were assisting the officials

“You’ve got guns, I don’t,” a lawyer told officers.

Police ultimately escorted several employees out of the building while others remained barricaded inside. Officers attempted to access those areas by prying open locked doors before the remaining staff later emerged.

The dispute later ended up in federal court, where USIP challenged the administration’s actions. A federal judge criticized aspects of the takeover but initially declined to immediately block the administration’s move as the case proceeded. In May, a federal judge blocked the takeover of USIP, saying Trump exceeded his authority when he fired board members.

DOGE officials interviewed by Fox News’ Jesse Watters last year said that USIP was the “least peaceful” agency they had worked with. They also claimed that the institute used taxpayer funds for events and private jet travel.