The Trump administration has made headlines by removing several appointees from the board of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, including former second gentleman Doug Emhoff. This decision comes as a surprise to many, especially since Emhoff played a significant role in the Biden administration’s efforts to combat antisemitism.
Emhoff, who is married to Vice President Kamala Harris, was among twelve individuals appointed by President Biden to the museum’s board in January. These appointments typically last five years. However, on a recent Tuesday, Emhoff and others received abrupt termination notices via email from the White House. This announcement coincided with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp, a significant date in Holocaust history.
In a statement on social media, Emhoff expressed his disappointment over the decision. He emphasized that Holocaust remembrance should not be politicized, stating, "To turn one of the worst atrocities in history into a wedge issue is dangerous." His family has a personal connection to the Holocaust, as his great-grandparents fled persecution in Poland.
The White House has not disclosed how many members were let go or the reasons behind the terminations. However, press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that Trump intends to appoint new members who will support the State of Israel and honor the memory of Holocaust victims.
The board of the Holocaust Memorial Museum includes 55 presidential appointees, alongside members from Congress and various government departments. This board meets twice a year to oversee the museum’s mission of education and remembrance.
Other notable figures dismissed alongside Emhoff include Ron Klain, Biden’s former chief of staff, and Susan Rice, who was instrumental in developing the administration’s strategy against antisemitism. Their terminations have drawn criticism from various quarters, including current and former board members who argue that such actions politicize an institution meant to be nonpartisan.
Senator Jacky Rosen, who was appointed to the board in 2021, called the firings "deeply disappointing." She stated that the museum’s work should challenge everyone to confront antisemitism and all forms of hate. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, also criticized the decision, urging for a reconsideration of the terminations.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, established by Congress in 1980, serves as the nation’s official memorial to the Holocaust. It is dedicated to documenting and interpreting the genocide of European Jews during World War II. Many fear that the recent changes to its board could hinder its vital mission, especially as antisemitism continues to rise in various forms across the country.