December 3, 2025: State Department renamed congressionally-created U.S. Institute of Peace to, “Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace.” Trump's name added to building facade. State Dept tweet: “renamed to reflect the greatest dealmaker in our nation's history.” Occurred while Trump administration was fighting Institute in court after federal judge ruled government's armed takeover was illegal. Administration had fired entire board and staff earlier in 2025.
Rep. Steve Cohen condemned renaming. Critics noted hypocrisy of Trump name on peace institution while dismantling it.
Update (September 19, 2026): former board members of the United States Institute of Peace went to court on September 17 seeking an emergency order to stop Trump's name being added to the headquarters building.
Update (October 1, 2026): on September 30 a D.C. Circuit panel granted the former board members' emergency motion, partly lifting its earlier stay; Judge Henderson would have denied it. According to The Hill and Bloomberg Law, the effect is that Trump's name cannot be carved into the building while the appeal continues; the one-sentence order itself does not mention engraving. The Justice Department told the court the State Department had done “preparatory market research” but “has no current plans to move forward with engraving the building or retaining wall.” Trump's name remains on signage outside.