Trump Removes Biden Appointees from U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Board
Donald Trump just made headlines again — this time for removing key figures from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s board. And not just any appointees — we’re talking folks handpicked by Joe Biden, including Douglas Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris.
According to reports, the Trump administration has started to wipe out Biden-era influence by firing several members from the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, a group that governs one of the country’s most significant institutions honoring Holocaust victims.
“Today, I was informed of my removal from the United States Holocaust Memorial Council,” Emhoff shared on Tuesday. “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.”
The move, seen by many as political, also affects other major Democratic players. Fired board members include:
Ron Klain, Biden’s first Chief of Staff
Tom Perez, ex-Labor Secretary
Susan Rice, domestic policy adviser and a driving force behind anti-antisemitism efforts
Anthony Bernal, top adviser to former First Lady Jill Biden
All of their terms were originally expected to last five years, after being appointed earlier this year. However, the Trump administration pulled the plug early, igniting new controversy.
White House Defends Trump’s Decision to Reshuffle Holocaust Council
Trump’s team says it’s all about “realignment,” not retaliation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt doubled down, explaining, “President Trump looks forward to appointing new individuals who will not only continue to honor the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust, but who are also steadfast supporters of the State of Israel.”
While Trump’s supporters call the decision bold, critics say it sends the wrong message — especially given the emotional weight the Holocaust Museum carries in America’s historical memory.
Some observers are calling it another example of Trump using appointments to make bold political statements. And while the new appointees haven’t been publicly named yet, insiders say the replacements will likely be individuals with strong pro-Israel stances and loyalty to the Trump administration.
Reactions From Jewish Leaders and the Public Are Mixed
The firings have stirred reaction across social media and from Jewish organizations. Some Jewish leaders say politicizing the Holocaust Museum sets a dangerous precedent. Others say every president has a right to choose council members aligned with their values.
Still, Douglas Emhoff’s words hit home for many. As the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. Vice President, his commitment to Holocaust remembrance has been deeply personal and visible. He has spoken at remembrance events, visited Holocaust sites, and publicly advocated against antisemitism.
