The White House pushed back against a federal agency leader who refused to allow the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to his office, accusing him of obstructing efforts to downsize wasteful government programs.
On Friday, officials from DOGE attempted to enter the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) headquarters but were denied entry. Staff members reportedly locked the doors to keep them out. The officials returned the next day with U.S. Marshals after the Department of Justice confirmed they had the legal right to enter.
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
USADF President Ward Brehm has since filed a lawsuit, claiming DOGE’s intervention amounts to “unlawful overreach” and asking the court to prevent his removal. His legal argument asserts he has a “clear entitlement” to remain in office, despite the White House’s restructuring plans.
A White House official responded by stating that agency heads do not have the power to defy executive orders. President Donald Trump previously signed an order reducing the USADF to its statutory minimum and appointed Peter Marocco as acting Chairman of the Board.
Brehm’s legal challenge was temporarily upheld by District Judge Richard J. Leon, who issued a restraining order preventing his removal for now. However, the White House remains firm in its efforts to curb unnecessary spending across federal agencies.
Trump has praised DOGE’s work in eliminating bureaucratic waste, recently vowing to continue “draining the swamp” by removing officials who resist administrative streamlining.
