Standoff Erupts as Doge Operatives Attempt to Enter USADF Headquarters

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A tense confrontation unfolded on Wednesday at the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) headquarters as operatives from the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) attempted to gain access to the building amid efforts to terminate agency employees. The incident occurred after a directive from President Donald Trump to eliminate several federal agencies, including USADF.

Workers at USADF, an independent federal agency focused on promoting economic development in Africa, refused to allow the Doge team entry when they arrived with Peter Marocco, acting director of the U.S. Agency for International Development, on Wednesday afternoon. The agency, which employs around 50 staff members, had previously been instructed to deny access to the Doge team as per a communication from agency President Ward Brehm.

“In my absence, I have specifically instructed the staff of USADF to adhere to our rules and procedures of not allowing any meetings of this type without my presence,” Brehm stated in a letter to a Doge subordinate. This communication was a clear warning against unauthorized access to USADF operations.

Following their initial denial of entry, the Doge team returned on Thursday, this time supported by agents from the U.S. Marshals Service. They gained access to the building, finding no staff present, illustrating an escalation in the government’s attempts to enforce the executive order issued on February 19.

Scores of legal challenges have emerged against the push to reshape federal agencies, with numerous court rulings suggesting attempts to terminate aid programs may violate legal stipulations. The attempted dismantling of USADF has drawn substantial criticism from Democrats, who labeled the actions as unlawful and argued that only Congress holds the authority to dissolve an agency created by legislative process.

The standoff sparked mixed reactions among federal employees and observers, who have lauded USADF staff for their resistance. A government official described the situation as “the little agency that could,” highlighting the foundation’s role amid the broader political scheme.

USADF, established in 1980, has consistently garnered bipartisan support for its work in African nations. The agency has dispersed approximately $141 million in grants since 2019, benefiting over 1,050 community enterprises and impacting 6.2 million lives.

As the confrontation unfolded, Democrats voiced their disapproval, asserting that efforts to dismantle USADF would not only undermine U.S. leadership overseas but also allow adversaries to extend their influence in a critical region. “Any attempt to unilaterally dismantle the USADF through executive action violates the law and exceeds the constitutional limits of executive authority,” members of the House of Representatives’ foreign affairs committee articulated in a letter to Trump.

Brehm’s letter to Doge reaffirmed that Marocco’s presence lacked legality unless he had been nominated and confirmed by the Senate. “Until these legal requirements are met, Mr. Marocco does not hold any position or office with USADF, and he may not speak or act on the foundation’s behalf,” Brehm added.

The confrontation at USADF reflects larger tensions surrounding the Trump administration’s initiatives, which have included calls to terminate various foreign assistance agencies deemed unnecessary. One Democratic representative emphasized, “If your administration believes changes to the mission or funding levels of USADF are necessary, such proposals must be submitted to Congress for legislative consideration, as required by law.”

As the situation develops, the USADF remains firm in its commitment to abide by legal protocols, highlighting the agency’s long-standing mission to support African-led initiatives and grassroots economic empowerment.