A federal agency is facing scrutiny after its leadership attempted to prevent the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from entering its headquarters, prompting a legal showdown with the White House.
On Friday, officials from DOGE arrived at the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) building as part of a federal restructuring initiative. Staff members, reportedly acting on the orders of agency head Ward Brehm, locked the doors and refused entry.
THE SWAMP IS DEEP AS BUREAUCRATS TRY TO FIGHT AGAINST TRUMP'S ORDERS. So, the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) employees and the organization's President worked with employees to lock the doors to DOGE. Now, I am not a lawyer, but any federal organization that thinks… pic.twitter.com/R3k94LxqxW
— CICNEWS4YOU (Conservative, Trump, Freedom) (@cicnews4you) March 9, 2025
The following day, DOGE officials returned with U.S. Marshals, after receiving confirmation from the Department of Justice that they had the legal authority to enter. In response, Brehm filed a lawsuit seeking to block his removal and prevent further intervention from DOGE.
Brehm’s legal challenge accuses the administration of overstepping its authority. However, the White House has firmly rejected this claim, stating that Trump’s executive order reduced the agency’s role and placed Peter Marocco in charge of overseeing the transition.
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing Brehm’s removal while the case is reviewed. Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to push forward with efforts to reduce federal bureaucracy.
Trump has consistently called for the removal of officials who resist government restructuring, vowing to eliminate inefficiencies and cut wasteful spending. The outcome of this legal fight could set a precedent for future battles over agency leadership and executive authority.
