A legal battle is brewing after the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) president attempted to prevent federal officials from entering the agency’s headquarters, sparking a confrontation with the Trump administration.

On Friday, members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) arrived at the USADF office to implement cost-cutting measures as part of President Donald Trump’s federal streamlining order. However, staff reportedly locked the doors, acting under instructions from USADF President Ward Brehm.

DOGE officials later returned with U.S. Marshals after the Department of Justice confirmed they had the authority to enter the premises. In response, Brehm filed a lawsuit claiming he was being unlawfully removed and accusing the administration of overstepping its bounds.

The White House dismissed Brehm’s claims, pointing out that Trump’s executive order had already scaled back USADF’s operations and placed Peter Marocco in charge of its restructuring. Officials emphasized that agency leadership cannot ignore presidential directives.

A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing Brehm’s immediate removal, allowing the lawsuit to proceed. Meanwhile, the administration continues its push to reduce wasteful spending and eliminate bureaucratic resistance.

Trump has remained firm on his commitment to cutting unnecessary government positions, warning that federal officials who obstruct these efforts will face consequences.