Trump’s Name Appears on U.S. Institute of Peace Ahead of Rwanda–Congo Deal Signing

The name of President Donald Trump has been added to the sign outside the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington, D.C., just days before he is set to host the presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the signing of a U.S.-brokered peace agreement. The unexpected signage change has sparked renewed attention on the institution, which has faced political turmoil and legal battles in recent months.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration attempted to seize control of the congressionally funded, nonpartisan institute by removing existing staff and installing its own leadership team. That effort was ultimately struck down by a federal judge, who ruled the move unlawful and described it as a “gross usurpation of power.” Since the ruling, the USIP has remained in an uncertain operational state, awaiting clarity on its leadership and long-term direction.

When questioned about the decision to display Trump’s name on the building, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly implied that the institution had effectively been renamed. She praised what she described as Trump’s global conflict-resolution achievements, saying the “Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace” was a fitting tribute to a leader she claimed had “ended eight wars in less than a year.” Her statement drew skepticism, as many of the conflicts Trump has cited—including the Israel–Hamas war—remain unresolved, and experts dispute the accuracy of those claims.

The institute itself did not respond to requests for comment regarding the signage or the comments from the administration.

The upcoming peace accord between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo follows a year of escalating tensions. Rwanda-backed M23 rebels launched a rapid offensive in eastern Congo, capturing major cities and raising alarms about the potential for a much broader regional conflict before a U.S.-mediated agreement was reached in June.

The high-profile signing ceremony is expected to draw international attention, with the newly altered USIP signage adding another layer of controversy to an already tense diplomatic moment.