The AHA has sent a letter to President Trump regarding his dismissal of the Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen J. Shogan. \u201cFederal law (44 U.S.C. Chapter 21 \u00a7 2103) requires that \u2018The President shall communicate the reasons for any such removal to each House of the Congress,\u2019\u201d the AHA wrote. \u201cThe Administration has not yet complied with this statute by communicating reasons for Dr. Shogan\u2019s dismissal. . . . Democracy rests on the rule of law. And the history of the United States rests on unfettered access to the archival record.\u201d<\/p>\n
President Donald J. Trump
\n1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
\nWashington, DC 20500<\/p>\n
February 10, 2025<\/p>\n
Dear President Trump:<\/p>\n
The Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen J. Shogan, has been removed from her position at your direction. Dr. Shogan has served in this nonpartisan role since her appointment was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 10, 2023. Per US federal law, \u201cThe Archivist shall be appointed without regard to political affiliations and solely on the basis of the professional qualifications required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the office of Archivist.\u201d<\/p>\n
Federal law (44 U.S.C. Chapter 21 \u00a7 2103) requires that \u201cThe President shall communicate the reasons for any such removal to each House of the Congress.\u201d The Administration has not yet complied with this statute by communicating reasons for Dr. Shogan\u2019s dismissal. The American Historical Association awaits the White House\u2019s compliance with the law by informing Congress of the reasons for Dr. Shogan\u2019s dismissal.<\/p>\n
Democracy rests on the rule of law. And the history of the United States rests on unfettered access to the archival record.<\/p>\n
Sincerely,<\/p>\n
James R. Grossman
\nExecutive Director<\/p>\n
cc: Chief of Staff Susie Wiles
\nPress Secretary Karoline Leavitt<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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