A candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives has taken legal action against high-profile figures, alleging an unconstitutional delegation of U.S. diplomatic authority to a private entity. On February 2, 2026, Justin Garvin Maffett filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against Marco Rubio, Donald J. Trump, Jared Kushner, and the U.S. Department of State.
The lawsuit centers around the “Board of Peace” (BoP), an international organization allegedly established by Donald J. Trump in his personal capacity as its Chairman. Maffett claims that this organization operates outside constitutional boundaries by engaging in high-level negotiations with foreign governments without Congressional oversight. According to the complaint, Trump’s role as Chairman allows him to unilaterally nominate successors and issue directives that are implemented by the Secretary of State, constituting an unlawful transfer of sovereign authority to a non-state actor.
Maffett argues that these actions violate several laws and constitutional provisions, including Article I’s Appropriations Clause and the Logan Act, which prohibits unauthorized citizens from conducting foreign diplomacy. The plaintiff highlights that BoP’s solicitation of $1 billion membership fees from foreign governments creates a parallel diplomatic track that undermines U.S. foreign policy and lacks accountability.
The plaintiff further asserts his standing based on his candidacy for Congress in Virginia’s 3rd District (VA-03), emphasizing how BoP’s operations threaten both Congressional oversight and economic stability in his district. He points out that VA-03 is heavily reliant on federal defense contracts tied to naval shipbuilding, which could be jeopardized by BoP’s unpredictable diplomacy.
In terms of relief sought, Maffett requests a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction to prevent the implementation of any resolutions or expenditures authorized by BoP through the State Department. Additionally, he seeks a Declaratory Judgment deeming such delegations unconstitutional and demands a full audit of all foreign contributions to BoP to ensure compliance with the Foreign Emoluments Clause.
Representing himself pro se, Justin Garvin Maffett has declared under penalty of perjury that his claims are accurate to his knowledge. The case is being overseen by Judge RBS-DEM under Case No.: 2:26-cv-00101-RBS-DEM.
Source: 226cv00101_Maffett_v_Rubio_Complaint_Eastern_District_Virginia.pdf
