Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk alleged Monday that the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) deleted a terabyte of financial data during an investigation into its internal operations.
Musk made the claim on his social network X, responding to a post that suggested DOGE had uncovered payments to the Taliban and Iraqi leaders. The post also indicated that the FBI and Metro Police assisted DOGE in gaining access to the data.
According to Musk, the group attempted to dispose of substantial financial information. “They deleted a terabyte of financial data to cover their crimes, but they don’t understand technology, so we recovered it 🙄,” Musk wrote.
In February, President Trump signed an executive order directing USIP to cease operations, labeling it one of several government organizations deemed unnecessary.
Following the order, USIP employees reportedly initiated efforts to resist the closure, according to NPR. Two employees described how management prepared for a “hostile effort to shut down operations.” Security measures were increased, including locked offices and restricted access requiring security badges. Some staff members also began downloading their research, contacts, and work emails.
