The Trump administration has removed Doug Emhoff, the former second gentleman and other Biden-era appointees from the board of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum.
This move has sparked strong reactions, especially from Emhoff, who is Jewish and has been a vocal advocate for Holocaust remembrance and the fight against antisemitism.
Emhoff Responds to His Removal
Emhoff, who has been committed to fighting antisemitism, expressed his disappointment in a statement following his dismissal.
“I was informed of my removal from the United States Holocaust Memorial Council,” he said. “Let me be clear: Holocaust remembrance and education should never be politicized.
To turn one of the worst atrocities in history into a wedge issue is dangerous — and it dishonors the memory of six million Jews murdered by Nazis that this museum was created to preserve.”
Emhoff continued, saying that no political decision would affect his dedication to combating hate and antisemitism. He emphasized that he would continue to speak out against hate in all its forms because “silence is never an option.”
Other Biden-Appointed Board Members Removed
Emhoff was not the only one removed from the board. Mary Sprowls, who works in the White House Presidential Personnel Office, informed several of the Biden-era appointees via email on Tuesday. The email stated that their positions on the US Holocaust Memorial Council were terminated “effective immediately.”
In addition to Emhoff, former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, Anthony Bernal (a senior adviser to former First Lady Jill Biden), Jennifer Klein (a former director of the White House Gender Policy Council), and Susan Rice (a former domestic policy adviser to Joe Biden) were among those removed from the board.
These individuals had been appointed in January under the Biden administration and were serving on the US Holocaust Memorial Council, which oversees the museum.
Trump’s Statement on the Removals
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that President Trump looks forward to appointing new individuals who will continue to honor the Holocaust victims’ memory and be strong supporters of Israel.
The removals have raised concerns about the politicization of an institution dedicated to remembering the Holocaust and educating future generations.
The Museum’s Response
Despite the removals, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum has expressed confidence in its mission. In a statement, the museum said it is pleased that Holocaust education is in high demand and that visitation remains strong.
The museum also stated that it is looking forward to working with the Trump administration to continue its important work.
Criticism of the Decision
Senator Jacky Rosen, a member of the Holocaust Memorial Council, criticized the Trump administration’s decision, calling it an attempt to politicize the museum.
She argued that the education about the Holocaust should not be a political issue. Rosen, a Nevada Democrat, stressed that spreading awareness of the Holocaust’s horrors should be a unified effort, not one divided by political lines.