Trump Dismisses Biden-Appointed Members from U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Board, Sparking Concerns Over Politicization

President Donald Trump has dismissed several members of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s board who were appointed by former President Joe Biden. Among those removed is Doug Emhoff, the former second gentleman and the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. vice president. The New York Times initially reported the dismissals, which also included other notable figures such as Ron Klain, Biden’s former chief of staff.

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, established to honor the memory of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, is overseen by a 68-member board. In January, before leaving office, President Biden appointed 12 individuals to this board. The recent firings have sparked discussions about the implications of such changes in the museum’s governance.

Doug Emhoff expressed his reaction to the dismissal, stating that he was informed of his removal from the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. Emhoff, who is Jewish, had been serving on the board since his appointment by Biden. His removal, along with others, has raised concerns about the potential politicization of the museum’s mission and the historical significance it seeks to preserve.

Ron Klain, who also received notice of his removal, confirmed to CBS News that all individuals appointed by Biden to the council in early 2025 have been dismissed. The decision has prompted conversations about the role of political appointments in cultural and historical institutions, as well as the broader impact on the museum’s efforts to educate the public about the Holocaust.