An agency head’s refusal to comply with a government downsizing order has escalated into a court battle after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was blocked from entering the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) headquarters.
On Friday, DOGE officials attempted to enter the USADF office as part of an effort to implement President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at shrinking the federal bureaucracy. Agency President Ward Brehm, however, reportedly ordered staff to lock the doors, barring the officials from accessing the building.
After securing a ruling from the Department of Justice affirming their right to enter, DOGE officials returned with U.S. Marshals. Brehm responded by filing a lawsuit, arguing that he was being unlawfully forced out of his position.
The White House pushed back against Brehm’s claims, stating that Trump’s order had reduced USADF’s role and placed Peter Marocco in charge of overseeing its transition. Administration officials said federal agency heads are not above presidential authority.
A district judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking Brehm’s removal while legal proceedings continue. Despite this delay, the administration remains focused on eliminating inefficiencies in federal agencies.
The dispute is part of Trump’s broader effort to restructure Washington, ensuring that federal programs serve their intended purpose without excessive bureaucracy.
