25 signatures reached
To: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Senate Homeland Security Kristi Noem
Make The Perpetrators Pay
📣 Campaign Blurb:
In March 2025, operatives under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) unlawfully took control of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), resulting in over $100,000 in damages to this vital peacebuilding institution. A federal judge has since ruled the takeover illegal. Taxpayers should not bear the cost of this destruction. We're calling for those responsible to pay for the damage, face consequences, and restore the integrity of this national institution.
🧾 Full Petition Text (Shortened for Platform Use):
We, the undersigned, urge the U.S. Department of Justice, Congress, and relevant oversight bodies to hold accountable the individuals and entities responsible for the unlawful DOGE occupation of the U.S. Institute of Peace. This illegal action caused extensive damage, disrupted operations, and disrespected the mission of an institution founded to promote peace.
We Demand:
- A full investigation into those responsible for.
- Restitution for all damages and costs.
- Legal consequences, including fines or community service, as appropriate.
- Strong protections for USIP’s independence moving forward.
USIP’s work is too important to be undermined by political vandalism. The public deserves accountability and repair—not more impunity.
Why is this important?
Making the perpetrators pay for the damage to the U.S. Institute of Peace is important for several ethical, legal, and civic reasons:
1. Accountability Upholds the Rule of Law
When officials or agents of the government abuse their power, allowing them to walk away without consequence sets a dangerous precedent. Requiring restitution shows that no one is above the law—not even politically connected actors.
2. Taxpayers Shouldn't Pay for Political Vandalism
The damage was not accidental—it resulted from an illegal takeover and willful neglect. If the public pays for those repairs, it rewards bad behavior and misuses public funds. The financial burden belongs to those who caused the harm.
3. Restoring Trust in Government Institutions
USIP is a nonpartisan, congressionally chartered institution with a mission to prevent violence. If such an institution can be illegally dismantled with no consequence, public faith in the integrity and independence of government agencies erodes.
4. Reparations Are a Form of Justice
Making perpetrators pay isn’t about punishment alone—it’s about repairing the harm done. That includes:
- The cost of building repairs
- Compensating wrongfully fired workers
- Restoring operational capacity and morale
5. It Deters Future Abuses
Without consequences, future actors may feel emboldened to repeat or escalate similar abuses. Restitution, fines, or community service send a clear message: you don’t get to break the public’s trust without paying for it.