Tensions between the Biden-era bureaucracy and the Trump administration’s efforts to restructure the federal government escalated this week when officials from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) were denied access to a federal office.
On Friday, DOGE officials arrived at the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) to conduct oversight but found the doors locked. Staff members reportedly refused them entry on orders from USADF President Ward Brehm. The following day, DOGE officials returned with U.S. Marshals after the Department of Justice confirmed they had the right to access the building.
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
Brehm, who has since filed a lawsuit, is seeking a court ruling to prevent the Trump administration from replacing him. His legal complaint alleges that his termination would be unlawful and that he has a right to remain in his position.
The White House responded sharply, stating that federal agency heads cannot ignore presidential orders. Trump’s executive action had already reduced USADF’s scope, and Peter Marocco was appointed as acting Chairman of the Board as part of the restructuring effort.
A federal judge issued a temporary order blocking Brehm’s removal, but the legal battle is far from over. Meanwhile, the administration remains committed to cutting government waste, with President Trump reaffirming his stance against bureaucratic resistance.
The case highlights growing tensions between the administration and holdovers from previous administrations who are resisting efforts to reshape federal operations.
