U.S. President Donald Trump has renamed the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. It will now be called the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. The change comes as Trump is preparing to host leaders from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo for a peace deal facilitated by the U.S. government.
Trump thanked the State Department for adding his name to the institute, calling it a “great honor.” Earlier this year, the Trump administration took control of the nonprofit, a decision that led to several legal challenges and raised questions about the institute’s independence.
Despite these concerns, the institute remains an independent nonprofit and is not a federal agency. Its operations and leadership continue separately from the government.
The name change, however, is meant to emphasize Trump’s role in promoting peace around the world, especially as the U.S. works to mediate conflicts in various regions.
Supporters of the move say it highlights Trump’s efforts in bringing international leaders together and supporting peace agreements.
Critics argue that a nonprofit peace institute should not carry the name of a sitting president, especially after a government takeover of the organization.
The newly named Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace will continue its work in conflict resolution, diplomacy, and global peacebuilding. It is also preparing for the upcoming meetings between African leaders and the U.S. administration.
The institute’s mission to support dialogue, reduce conflicts and promote peaceful solutions remains at the center of its activities, even as its name and leadership attract attention from around the world.
