Reclaiming control of a key federal institution, President Donald Trump swiftly dismissed Kamala Harris’ husband and other Biden-era appointees from an important memorial board.
Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, was among several Democrat officials removed from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council despite their appointments typically lasting five years.
The White House Presidential Personnel Office sent formal termination notices to Emhoff and other Biden-appointed council members, including former Chief of Staff Ron Klain, former Labor Secretary Tom Perez, and former National Security Advisor Susan Rice.
The dismissals came shortly after Holocaust Remembrance Day, clearing the way for Trump to install his own appointees to the prominent board.
Mary Sprowls from the White House Presidential Personnel Office delivered the termination notices via email with direct language:
“On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council is terminated, effective immediately. Thank you for your service.”
Moreover, the move comes as part of Trump’s broader effort to replace Biden-era appointees across federal agencies and advisory boards.
Jewish descendant Emhoff had only been appointed to the council by former President Biden in January, serving less than four months before his removal.
Emhoff stated about his removal:
“Today, I was informed of my removal from the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. 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,” he remarked.
Despite Emhoff’s complaints about “politicization,” critics noted that Biden himself had previously removed Trump appointees from various federal boards.
This continues with the long-standing practice of presidents reshaping advisory councils with officials who align with their administration’s vision and values.
In addition, the Holocaust Memorial Council consists of over 50 presidential appointees who oversee the Washington, D.C., museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust.
Although presidents typically appoint council members for five-year terms, appointees are not guaranteed to serve their full term when administrations change.
Tom Perez expressed disappointment at his removal, claiming the council has traditionally maintained a nonpartisan mission.
However, many Trump supporters view these fires as necessary to ensure federal institutions reflect the priorities and values of the current administration rather than perpetuating the influence of previous political opponents.
Representatives for President Trump and the museum did not immediately comment on the terminations.
Yet, White House sources indicate the President plans to announce new appointees to the council in the coming weeks.
These appointees will likely prioritize Holocaust education while ensuring the museum remains focused on historical accuracy rather than becoming a platform for contemporary political messaging.
Ultimately, the situation remains fluid as the administration continues its systematic review of Biden-era appointees across federal boards and commissions.
Further changes are expected as President Trump implements his vision for these important national institutions.
