Trump's Legacy Bid: US Institute of Peace Renamed Amid Global Diplomacy Push

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In a move seen as an attempt to bolster his diplomatic credentials, the US Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, D.C. has been officially renamed the 'Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace'. The renaming comes ahead of a planned peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), backed by the White House. The decision to rename the institute, a congressionally created nonprofit founded in 1984, follows a tumultuous year in which the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) attempted to dismantle the organization. Despite a federal judge ruling the takeover unlawful in May, the renaming is seen as a significant gesture aimed at cementing Trump's legacy as a 'global peacemaker'. USIP's leadership has expressed concerns that the politicization of the institute undermines its long-standing reputation as a neutral, non-partisan mediator. Critics argue that the renaming erodes trust among foreign counterparts and could hinder genuine peacebuilding efforts. The move is seen as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to project a 'peace-first' image on the global stage. The decision to rename the institute is likely to be viewed as a deliberate strategic effort to promote U.S. influence as a peace-oriented actor. While the renaming is seen as a grand gesture, it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to bolster Trump's image as a peacemaker. The planned peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC will be closely watched as a test of the administration's diplomatic efforts.