On Tuesday, President Donald Trump removed Doug Emhoff, the former second gentleman, from his position on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. Emhoff, who had been appointed by President Joe Biden, was dismissed just three months into what is typically a five-year term on the board. This move also affected several other Biden-era appointees, including Ron Klain, Tom Perez, Susan Rice, and Anthony Bernal.
Emhoff, who is married to former Vice President Kamala Harris, had been a prominent figure in the Biden administration’s efforts to address antisemitism. He publicly criticized the decision, stating that Holocaust remembrance and education should not be used for political purposes. In his statement, Emhoff warned that politicizing such a tragic chapter of history poses risks and disrespects the memory of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis, which the museum was established to honor.
The dismissals come as part of a broader effort by Trump to reshape federally funded cultural and educational institutions. Since returning to office, Trump has taken steps to assert control over organizations like the Kennedy Center and has threatened funding for the Smithsonian Museum over disagreements about its content. These actions reflect his administration’s intent to leave a distinct mark on the nation’s cultural landscape.
The White House explained that Trump intends to appoint new council members who will continue to honor Holocaust victims and remain strong supporters of Israel. Emhoff, meanwhile, reaffirmed his dedication to Holocaust remembrance and fighting antisemitism, stating that political decisions would not deter his advocacy.