WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- Former U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) employees are sounding the alarm over what they call “illegal firings” by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Much of the 300-person staff was fired by DOGE on March 28, and former employees say they plan to fight back in court. Employees claim they were given fifteen-minute time slots to gather their belongings from the building and leave.  Former USIP Employee and Veteran Chris Bosley explained how he felt during the process. “A little bit of shock,” described Bosley. “A little bit of resignation. A little bit of anger.” These employees argue their firings are illegal because USIP is not a government agency but a non-profit funded by Congress to resolve conflict overseas.  “We are a private, independent, nonprofit corporation under the D.C. jurisdiction so we thought that would give us protection,” said Bosley. “It did not so we are angry. We are confused.”. Former USIP President George Moose tried to block DOGE employees from entering the building. Moose was later fired, and DOGE employees gained access to the USIP on Monday night. “This is what this administration is facing,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. “It’s a resistance from bureaucrats who don’t want to see change in this city. President Trump was elected on an overwhelming mandate to seek change and implement change, and this is unacceptable behavior.” A hearing on the fate of USIP in the U.S. District Court revealed the USIP building was also transferred to the General Services Administration. “We still have great faith and hope that the courts will decide and recognize our status as an independent institution,” emphasized Mary Speck, a former USIP employee. “They could’ve done it the right way if they wanted to. They did not.” Former employees say they have been given until April 7 to clear their desks. Meanwhile, the overseas staff have been given until April 9 to return to the U.S.  ...read more read less