Darren Beattie, a former Trump administration speechwriter known for past inflammatory remarks, has been named the acting president of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), an organization currently mired in legal turmoil over its future.
The appointment, confirmed by the State Department over the weekend, has sparked renewed criticism as the Trump administration pushes forward with plans to shrink or dissolve several independent agencies. The USIP, which receives federal funding to support peacebuilding efforts worldwide, has been a prime target of these cuts.
Beattie, who also holds the role of under secretary for public diplomacy, previously made headlines when he was dismissed from the White House in 2018 following reports that he spoke at a conference attended by white nationalists. At the time, he defended his appearance, claiming there was nothing objectionable in his remarks.
More recently, Beattie has become known for his role in promoting right-wing narratives online, including theories related to the January 6 Capitol riot. A founder of a conservative website, he has a history of making provocative statements, including a 2024 post suggesting that only “competent white men” should be in charge for systems to function properly—comments widely condemned as racist and misogynistic.
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Beattie’s appointment was made by the USIP board of directors, now composed of figures aligned with the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. In a statement, the State Department said it supports Beattie’s leadership and expects him to advance President Trump’s “America First” goals.
USIP has been under intense pressure since President Trump signed an executive order earlier this year targeting the institute and several other independent organizations for closure. That action triggered a wave of firings, with most of the board and roughly 300 employees dismissed in what was dubbed the “Friday night massacre.”
An initial attempt to assume control of the USIP headquarters by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was once led by Elon Musk, failed after staff resisted entry. A second attempt, this time with FBI and local police backing, succeeded in transferring oversight to the General Services Administration (GSA).
Legal challenges quickly followed. In May, a federal judge ruled that the administration had exceeded its authority in removing USIP leadership and declared all related actions void. That decision temporarily returned control of the institute to its original staff and board.
However, a federal appeals court later stayed that decision, forcing the institute to again relinquish its headquarters to the administration. Most staff members were re-terminated shortly thereafter.
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The legal dispute continues, with USIP seeking to reinstate the earlier ruling that protected its independence. George Foote, the institute’s former counsel, issued a statement criticizing Beattie’s appointment, calling it inconsistent with the values of international diplomacy and illegal under the current legal framework.
“We remain committed to upholding Judge Howell’s ruling,” Foote said. “USIP plays a vital role in conflict resolution around the world, and we will continue to fight for its independence and its mission.”
With the institute’s operations now largely suspended, its future hangs in the balance as the legal battle moves through the courts.
