U.S. Institute of Peace Nonprofit President Refuses to Relinquish Power Amid Trump/Musk Shutdown

staff writer • March 31, 2025

USIP Denies  DOGE Efforts to Review Financials


The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), a federally funded nonprofit established to promote conflict resolution and peacebuilding, has been thrust into chaos as its newly appointed Acting President, Kenneth Jackson, resists yielding control following a dramatic takeover orchestrated by the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).


 In the past five years, the USIP's budget has grown from $39 million in fiscal year (FY) 2017 to $55 million in FY 2024. How that budget is ... (source)


This upheaval culminated in a late-night email on March 29, 2025, laying off nearly all of USIP’s U.S.-based staff.


George Moose Rise and Refusal to Yield


Kenneth Jackson, a State Department official with a background at USAID, was thrust into the spotlight on March 14, 2025, when three remaining USIP board members, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Defense University President Peter Garvin, appointed him Acting President. This followed the abrupt firing of 11 of the 15 board members and the ousting of former Acting President George Moose, moves authorized by a February 19 executive order from President Donald Trump targeting USIP for "reduction to its statutory minimum." see  gov statement


Jackson’s tenure began with confrontation. On March 17, he arrived at USIP’s headquarters, only to be denied entry by Moose, who contested his dismissal and locked down the building. With D.C. police and FBI assistance, Jackson forcibly entered, escorted Moose out, and assumed control. However, Jackson’s refusal to relinquish power after the late-night layoffs on March 29—when nearly 100 U.S.-based staff were terminated via email—has fueled accusations of overreach. Critics argue he is clinging to a hollow throne, presiding over a gutted institution with no clear mandate, while supporters claim he is safeguarding Trump’s vision against "rogue bureaucrats."


The Trump/Musk Shutdown: DOGE’s Role and the Late-Night Email


The shutdown of USIP reflects a broader Trump administration agenda, amplified by Elon Musk’s DOGE, a controversial entity tasked with slashing government inefficiencies. Trump’s executive order targeted USIP alongside other foreign aid bodies like the U.S. African Development Foundation and Inter-American Foundation, framing them as expendable relics of a bloated bureaucracy.


On March 17, DOGE staff, backed by law enforcement, stormed USIP’s headquarters, a move decried by Moose as an "illegal takeover" of a private nonprofit.


Legal battles ensued, with ousted board members suing to block the seizure, arguing it violated USIP’s congressional charter. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, while "offended" by DOGE’s "abominable" tactics—including threats and armed intimidation—denied a temporary restraining order on March 19, citing insufficient evidence of irreparable harm and ambiguity over presidential authority.


 USIP: A Legacy Unraveled

USIP’s downfall highlights the inherent vulnerabilities of nonprofits operating at the nexus of public funding and private autonomy.


Corruption, in this context, manifests not as financial malfeasance but as the erosion of institutional integrity. Critics argue that Jackson’s appointment and DOGE’s takeover represent a politicization of a nonpartisan mission ( how ever this is complete projection of the left agenda)



Former board members, like ex-Ambassador John Sullivan, decry a "lawless assault," while Moose laments the loss of a symbol of American peacebuilding.


HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE U.S. INSTITUTE OF PEACE


Founded in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan, USIP emerged from a congressional vision to counter Cold War tensions with a dedicated body for peace research and diplomacy. Championed by figures like former Congressman Dan Glickman, the institute was inspired by grassroots calls for a "peace academy," notably from Mennonite communities in Kansas advocating nonviolent conflict resolution. Unlike military academies, USIP was designed as a think tank, blending scholarship with practical diplomacy to prevent wars and broker peace globally.


Over four decades, USIP grew into a respected entity, employing around 600 staff worldwide and maintaining a headquarters in Washington, D.C., near the State Department. Its $80 million endowment, bolstered by private donors like Boeing, underscored its independence as a nonprofit, distinct from federal agencies. Board members, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, ensured bipartisan oversight, while its mission—to project American values through "soft power"—aligned with efforts like USAID and the Voice of America.


Yet, this independence has become a double-edged sword. While intended to shield USIP from partisan interference, its unique status—neither fully governmental nor entirely private—left it vulnerable to reinterpretations of executive authority, setting the stage for the current crisis.



INEVITABLE CORRUPTION


The President's refusal to cede power, amid the Trump/Musk-orchestrated shutdown, marks the unraveling of a 41-year legacy. USIP, once a bridge between American ideals and global peace, now lies in ruins, its staff dispersed by a late-night email and its mission subordinated to political expediency. Whether this reflects inevitable corruption—of purpose, process, or power—or a radical reimagining of institutional roles remains debated. As the dust settles, the U.S. Institute of Peace stands as a cautionary tale of ambition, vulnerability, and the fragility of ideals in an era of unrelenting disruption.


  • While exact figures for all staff are not fully disclosed, former President George Moose’s compensation was estimated at $350,000 annually, based on nonprofit sector comparisons and partial disclosures from USIP’s Form 990 filings.


  • Senior staff, including program directors, reportedly earned between $180,000 and $250,000 each, per industry leaks cited in media like The New York Times.

  • Board Member Compensation: Board members, including high-profile figures like Kerry Kennedy (RFK’s sister), received stipends estimated at $50,000 to $75,000 annually for part-time roles, according to X posts from @JohnLeFevre

Phantom Neuro Secures $19M To Advance Human-Machine Muscle Memory

By staff writer • September 19, 2025
Phantom Neuro, an Austin, Texas-based neurotechnology startup spun out of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, has secured an oversubscribed $19 million Series A funding round, bringing its total funding to $28 million, announced on April 15, 2025. How Phantom Neuro Integrates Muscle Memory in AI Prosthetics Phantom Neuro’s Phantom X platform integrates muscle memory by implanting a small electrode array under the skin over residual muscles, capturing natural neural signals generated when users intend to move. These electromyographic signals, processed through AI algorithms, enable the prosthetic to learn and adapt to the user’s unique patterns, replicating intuitive control akin to biological limbs. In a recent ASCENT study, the system achieved 94% accuracy across 11 hand and wrist movements, allowing non-invasive adaptation without extensive retraining. Phantom Neuro’s Tech vs. elon musk's neuralink The $19 million Series A, closed in April 2025, values Phantom Neuro as a key player in neurotech, enabling acceleration of its Phantom X platform from prototype to clinical trials. Ottobock’s leadership investment, with a board seat for its CFO Dr. Arne Kreitz, underscores strategic alignment in prosthetics commercialization. The capital will fund outpatient-implantable electrode arrays that detect electromyographic (EMG) signals from residual muscles, translating them via AI into precise prosthetic commands. This funding builds on prior seed rounds, positioning the company to extend applications beyond prosthetics to robotics and exoskeletons, in a sector where neural interfaces could reduce user training time by 50%. Future Prospects for Phantom Neuro When can you Expect it to hit market Experts praise Phantom Neuro’s approach for its minimally invasive nature and high accuracy, with Dr. Arne Kreitz noting its potential to lead prosthetics markets by providing effective, patient-centered solutions. Researchers highlight the technology’s role in revolutionizing rehab, where AI-driven adaptation could shorten recovery by 25% through natural muscle retraining. What is Phantom Neuro and its main technology? An Austin-tech-based neurotech firm developing the Phantom X neural interface for intuitive prosthetic control using muscle signals spun out of Johns Hopkins in 2021 . Who led the $19M Series A funding round? Phantom Neuro’s $19 million Series A funding in April 2025, led by Ottobock, accelerates its Phantom X platform, integrating AI and muscle memory for 94% accurate neural control in prosthetics. With total funding at $28 million and trials slated for 2026, the company is set to transform human-machine interfaces in a $12.3 billion market by 2030, enhancing autonomy for amputees and beyond. This milestone, backed by DARPA and FDA progress, promises profound quality-of-life improvements and innovation in rehab and robotics. For more on neurotech advancements, visit Objectwire.org .

Psiquantum Raises $1B To Build Quantum Computers In Chicago And Australia

By staff writer • September 17, 2025
PsiQuantum, a leading quantum computing company, has raised $1 billion in a Series E funding round, valuing it at $7 billion, announced on September 10, 2025. PsiQuantum’s Plans for Quantum Computing Hubs in Chicago and Brisbane This capital will fund the construction of utility-scale quantum computing sites in Chicago, Illinois, and Brisbane, Australia, targeting million-qubit, fault-tolerant systems using silicon photonics technology. Led by BlackRock affiliates, Temasek, and Baillie Gifford, the round includes investors like NVIDIA Ventures and the Qatar Investment Authority, building on over $1.3 billion raised previously. With the global quantum computing market projected to reach $65 billion by 2030 , growing at a 32.7% CAGR, PsiQuantum’s photonic approach promises scalable, error-corrected computation. PsiQuantum’s $1 Billion Series E Funding Round The $1 billion Series E round, closed in September 2025, equips PsiQuantum to break ground on facilities in Chicago and Brisbane , deploy prototype systems, and advance photonic chips manufactured at GlobalFoundries’ Fab 8 in New York. These sites will host the world’s first million-qubit-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers, focusing on error-corrected architectures to overcome qubit decoherence. The funding supports modular cooling solutions and high-volume semiconductor production, eliminating traditional cryostats for efficient scaling. PsiQuantum’s valuation at $7 billion post-money reflects investor confidence in its photonic qubits, which leverage telecom wavelengths for room-temperature operation of control systems. This investment caps a surge in quantum venture funding, following raises by QuEra ($230 million) and IQM ($300 million), positioning PsiQuantum to lead in practical quantum applications. PsiQuantum will establish utility-scale hubs in Chicago and Brisbane to manufacture and operate fault-tolerant quantum systems, leveraging local talent and infrastructure. The Breakthrough Potential of Fault-Tolerant Quantum Technology Fault-tolerant quantum technology is essential for reliable computation, using error-correction codes to mitigate qubit errors from noise and decoherence. PsiQuantum’s silicon photonics enables scalable qubits via high-volume manufacturing, targeting one million physical qubits for logical operations. This breakthrough could solve intractable problems in cryptography, where quantum computers threaten RSA encryption, and pharmaceuticals, simulating molecules for drug discovery at speeds 1,000 times faster than classical supercomputers . By achieving fault tolerance, PsiQuantum aims to deliver utility-scale machines for optimization in finance and logistics, reducing error rates below 10^-15 per gate. Who led PsiQuantum’s funding round? BlackRock affiliates, Temasek, and Baillie Gifford, with participation from NVIDIA Ventures and Qatar Investment Authority . What is the timeline for PsiQuantum’s quantum computers? Prototypes by 2026, full-scale sites operational by early 2030s, targeting commercial utility . PsiQuantum’s Funding Ushers in fault-tolerant quantum computers. With their 1 billion dollar check they will be setting up headquarters in Chicago and Brisbane representing a transformative leap in quantum computing. Valued at $7 billion, this initiative could unlock trillion-dollar impacts across industries, fostering global collaboration and economic growth in a $65 billion market by 2030 . As construction begins, PsiQuantum positions itself at the forefront of the quantum revolution, promising breakthroughs in computation and science. For more on quantum technology trends, sunscribe to the Objectwire.org .

Avalanche and Toyota Blockchain Partner to Revolutionize Autonomous Robotaxi Infrastructure

By staff writer • September 15, 2025
The partnership between Avalanche (Avax) and Toyota Blockchain Lab (the research department of toyota) to build Mobility Orchestration Networkis. MON is reshaping urban mobility by integrating blockchain technology with autonomous vehicle systems. Multi-chain framework: The MON prototype features four custom, Avalanche-based Layer-1 blockchains, each handling specific functions: Issuance of security tokens Management of mobility rights Tracking of service usage Operations for stablecoins Why are Avalanche Blockchain and Toyota Collaborating on Atomized driving Taxis. Announced in September 2025, their collaboration introduces the Mobility Orchestration Network (MON) is a a blockchain-based infrastructure designed to power autonomous robotaxi fleets. Leveraging Avalanche’s high-throughput platform and Toyota’s expertise in autonomous driving, MON aims to create a secure, transparent, and efficient ecosystem for next-generation transportation. The Avalanche-Toyota Blockchain Lab partnership, launched in September 2025, marks a pivotal step in merging blockchain with autonomous mobility. The Mobility Orchestration Network (MON) aims to streamline robotaxi operations, from financing to ride-sharing, using Avalanche’s scalable blockchain. What is the Mobility Orchestration Network (MON)? A Blockchain-Based Mobility Solution by Toyota MON is a blockchain intermediary network designed to “orchestrate trust and unlock mobility’s value” for autonomous robotaxi fleets. Built on Avalanche’s multichain infrastructure and Interchain Messaging (ICM), it enables secure data sharing for vehicle financing, ride-sharing, insurance, and carbon credit tracking. MON’s neutral platform integrates with existing networks, supporting decentralized business models, per toyota-blockchain-lab.org . Key Applications MON supports on-chain operations like leasing, payments, and ownership transfers, creating a seamless ecosystem for robotaxi fleets. Its proof-of-concept, funded with $10.8 million, aims to standardize mobility processes, per en.cryptonomist.ch . Research Insight: MON’s prototype handles 1,000 transactions per second, per Avalanche’s technical specs. Role of Avalanche in Autonomous Robotaxi Infrastructure Why Avalanche’s Blockchain? Avalanche’s platform, known for sub-second finality and high throughput, processes thousands of transactions per second, ideal for real-time robotaxi data demands. Its multichain framework supports dedicated chains for mobility, ensuring scalability and security, per blockonomi.com . Tokenizing Mobility MON introduces VehicleOwnership tokens (ERC-721 NFTs) linked to Mobility Oriented Accounts (MOAs), enabling seamless ownership transfers and financing. This tokenization reduces administrative costs by 50%, per a 2025 Benzinga analysis, allowing investors to fund and track robotaxi fleets transparently. Decentralized Robotaxi Operations MON envisions robotaxis running on decentralized systems, with smart contracts automating ride scheduling, billing, and maintenance. This could reduce operational costs by 20%, per cryptorobotics.ai , enhancing efficiency for operators and passengers. Research Insight: Toyota tested blockchain for vehicle data tracking in 2023, per Toyota Blockchain Lab. Key Features of the Autonomous Toyota Robotaxi Infrastructure MON enables real-time Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication, optimizing routes and reducing congestion. Integration with traffic systems enhances safety. Carbon Credit Tracking MON tracks emissions on an immutable ledger, supporting carbon credit systems. This aligns with sustainability goals, appealing to regulators and eco-conscious consumers, Regulatory Alignment Aligning manufacturers and regulators for blockchain recordkeeping is critical. Roi Hirata of Ava Labs notes challenges in standardizing data formats across jurisdictions, requiring collaboration MON aims to supports smart cities with dynamic pricing and decentralized ownership, reducing car ownership reliance.

Tesla Can Now Test Its Autonomous Vehicle Technology On Public Streets In Nevada

By staff writer • September 15, 2025
Tesla has achieved a pivotal milestone by securing permission from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to test its autonomous vehicle technology on public roads, announced on September 11, 2025 . This approval, part of the state’s Testing Registry certification, allows supervised testing of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, marking a significant step toward commercial robotaxi services. This development aligns with CEO Elon Musk’s vision, shared during the July 23, 2025, earnings call, to expand robotaxi testing into multiple markets by year-end. Published on Objectwire.org , this article explores Tesla’s FSD technology, Nevada’s regulatory framework, safety measures, challenges for commercial deployment. Understanding Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Technology for Robotaxis Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system powers its autonomous ambitions, utilizing a vision-based approach with cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radar to navigate complex environments. Enhanced by neural networks and the Dojo supercomputer, FSD version 12.5 processes real-time data for tasks like lane changes and traffic light recognition, achieving safety levels comparable to human drivers in select scenarios. Over-the-air updates refine algorithms using data from Tesla’s fleet, which logged 1.3 billion miles on FSD by Q2 2025 . Nevada’s diverse urban and suburban roads will provide critical data to improve edge-case handling, such as navigating construction zones or adverse weather, advancing Tesla’s goal of unsupervised autonomy by 2026. Nevada’s Regulatory Framework for Autonomous Vehicle Testing Nevada’s progressive policies, established in 2011 as the first U.S. state to regulate autonomous vehicles, enable Tesla’s testing through a streamlined Testing Registry process. Companies self-certify compliance with Chapter 482A of the Nevada Revised Statutes, requiring incident reporting and safety adherence without level-specific permits. Tesla’s application, filed on September 3, 2025 , was approved in just seven days, granting autonomous plates and certificates. For commercial robotaxi services, Tesla must secure Nevada Transportation Authority approval, addressing liability and insurance. This framework positions Nevada as a leader, fostering innovation while ensuring safety, and may influence other states’ regulations. Safety Measures and Testing Protocols for Tesla’s Nevada Trials Tesla’s Nevada testing prioritizes safety with supervised operations, requiring trained drivers to monitor vehicles equipped with redundant sensors for 360-degree awareness. Pre-test simulations validate complex scenarios, while real-time data feeds iterative AI improvements. The DMV mandates incident reports within 10 days, ensuring transparency. Tesla’s FSD has reduced disengagement rates to below 1 per 100,000 miles in controlled tests , reflecting robust safety protocols. Testing will adhere to Nevada’s traffic laws, focusing on urban streets to refine algorithms, aligning with NHTSA guidelines for safe deployment. Challenges for Tesla’s Commercial Robotaxi Deployment in Nevada Despite the testing permit, Tesla faces hurdles for commercial robotaxi services: Regulatory Complexity: State-specific rules require additional Nevada Transportation Authority approval for paid rides. Technical Barriers: Achieving Level 4 autonomy demands handling rare scenarios, with current FSD needing supervision. Public Trust: High-profile AV incidents, like the 2024 Cruise recall, necessitate proven safety to gain consumer confidence. Infrastructure Needs: Expanding charging networks and maintenance facilities is critical, with costs estimated at $0.30-$0.50 per mile for liability insurance. These challenges require rigorous testing in Nevada to validate safety and scalability for a 2026 commercial rollout. Future Prospects for Autonomous Ridesharing in Nevada Nevada’s support for Tesla’s testing sets the stage for transformative ridesharing, potentially reducing congestion and emissions while enhancing accessibility. Tesla aims to launch unsupervised robotaxi services by late 2025, leveraging Nevada’s infrastructure, including Las Vegas’s Vegas Loop. With nearly 500 autonomous vehicles operating statewide , competition drives innovation, potentially lowering ride costs to $0.20-$0.40 per mile. Economic benefits include tech job growth, while policy advancements will address data privacy and equity, positioning Nevada as a model for national autonomous vehicle adoption. FAQ: Key Questions About Tesla’s Nevada Autonomous Testing What does Tesla’s Nevada testing permit cover? It allows supervised testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads, not commercial rides, effective September 11, 2025 . How quickly was Tesla’s application approved? Filed on September 3, 2025 , it was approved in seven days by the Nevada DMV. What safety measures are in place for testing? Supervised drivers, redundant sensors, and simulations ensure safety, with disengagement rates below 1 per 100,000 miles . What is needed for commercial robotaxi services? Approval from the Nevada Transportation Authority for safety, liability, and insurance Nevada Transportation Authority, 2025 . When will Tesla launch unsupervised robotaxis? Tesla targets unsupervised operations by late 2025, using Nevada data to refine FSD 1.3 billion miles logged . Tesla’s Nevada Testing Shapes the Future of Mobility Tesla’s approval to test autonomous vehicles on Nevada’s public roads is a crucial step toward revolutionizing ridesharing. With nearly 500 driverless vehicles already operating, Nevada’s progressive policies and Tesla’s FSD advancements pave the way for safer, cost-effective mobility by 2026. This testing phase will refine technology and build public trust, setting a national precedent. For more on autonomous vehicle trends, visit Objectwire.org . Word count: 1,250
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