9:21 pm - February 12, 2025
The Sudden Dismissal of Archivist Colleen Shogan: A Surprise Move by the Trump Administration
In a move that caught many off guard, President Donald Trump’s administration announced the dismissal of Colleen Shogan, the Archivist of the United States, on a Friday evening. The announcement, made by White House Director of Presidential Personnel Sergio Gor on the social media platform X, stated, “At the direction of @realDonaldTrump, the Archivist of the United States has been dismissed tonight. We thank Colleen Shogan for her service.” This sudden decision marked the end of Shogan’s tenure as the head of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), a role she had held since 2023.
Shogan, who was nominated to the position by President Joe Biden in 2022, was the first woman to serve as the Archivist of the United States. Her dismissal came as a shock, even though she had been informed that Trump intended to replace her. A source close to the situation revealed that Shogan did not expect her removal to happen as quickly as it did and was taken aback when she received the notification. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) declined to comment on the matter, instead directing inquiries to the White House.
The Role of the Archivist and the National Archives in Recent Years
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has been thrust into the spotlight in recent years, particularly following the FBI’s search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in 2022. The search was part of an investigation into the handling of presidential documents, including classified materials. During this time, NARA requested the Department of Justice to investigate Trump’s management of White House records, further cementing the agency’s role in the ongoing political and legal debates surrounding the former president.
Colleen Shogan, who was not present at the National Archives during the FBI’s search of Mar-a-Lago, had been serving as the Archivist since 2023. Her dismissal has raised questions about the Trump administration’s motivations, particularly given the agency’s heightened profile in recent years. The Archivist plays a critical role in preserving and managing the nation’s historical records, making the position both significant and non-partisan in nature.
Trump’s Criticism of the National Archives and the Previous Archivist
President Trump has been openly critical of the National Archives and its leadership in the past. In an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt last month, Trump referred to David Ferriero, the archivist at the time of the Mar-a-Lago raid, as “a disaster.” He also hinted at his intention to replace Shogan, stating, “I think I can tell you that we will get somebody. Let me just put it – yeah, we will have a new archivist.” This public criticism underscores the political tensions surrounding the National Archives and its role in recent controversies.
Shogan’s dismissal is the latest development in a series of events that have brought the National Archives into the forefront of political debates. The agency’s actions, including its request for a Justice Department investigation into Trump’s handling of records, have drawn scrutiny from Republicans. The situation highlights the increasingly politicized nature of institutions traditionally seen as non-partisan.
Shogan’s Background and Her Role as Archivist
Colleen Shogan, who was nominated to the position by President Joe Biden in 2022, brought a wealth of experience to the role of Archivist. Prior to her appointment, she served as the senior vice president and director of the David M. Rubenstein Center at the White House Historical Association. Her background in history and her work in preserving White House artefacts made her a well-suited candidate for the position.
During her tenure as Archivist, Shogan was known for her commitment to the preservation of historical records and her efforts to make these records accessible to the public. Her dismissal has been met with surprise, given her relatively short time in the role and the non-partisan nature of the position. Shogan’s removal has also sparked questions about the future direction of NARA under new leadership.
The Implications of Shogan’s Dismissal
The dismissal of Colleen Shogan has significant implications for the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and its role in preserving the nation’s history. As the first woman to hold the position, Shogan’s departure marks the end of a chapter in the agency’s history. Her removal has also raised concerns about the politicization of the Archivist role, which has traditionally been viewed as non-partisan.
Shogan’s dismissal comes at a time when the National Archives is already under scrutiny due to its involvement in the investigation into Trump’s handling of presidential documents. The agency’s actions, including its request for a Justice Department investigation, have been criticized by Republicans, who have accused NARA of overstepping its authority. The situation highlights the delicate balance between the agency’s role in preserving records and the political pressures it faces.
Personal Ties and Controversies Surrounding Shogan’s Tenure
Colleen Shogan’s tenure as Archivist was not without controversy. Just last month, she blocked the Biden administration’s move to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), citing “established legal, judicial, and procedural decisions.” This decision was seen as a setback for the administration, which had been pushing to codify the ERA into law.
Interestingly, Shogan also had personal ties to former First Lady Melania Trump, with whom she had worked on various projects during her time at the White House Historical Association. In 2023, Shogan personally invited Melania Trump to deliver a rare public speech on citizenship at the National Archives, highlighting the two women’s professional and personal connection.
Shogan’s dismissal has sparked speculation about the reasons behind her removal. While the White House has not provided detailed reasoning for the decision, it is clear that her tenure was marked by both significant achievements and controversies. Her removal raises questions about the future of NARA and the role of the Archivist in preserving the nation’s history.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Colleen Shogan and the Future of NARA
The sudden dismissal of Colleen Shogan as Archivist of the United States has sent shockwaves through the political and historical communities. As the first woman to hold the position, Shogan’s tenure was marked by both significant achievements and controversies. Her commitment to the preservation of historical records and her efforts to make these records accessible to the public have left a lasting legacy.
However, her removal has also raised important questions about the politicization of the Archivist role and the future direction of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). As the agency continues to navigate the challenges of preserving the nation’s history in an increasingly polarized political climate, the dismissal of Colleen Shogan serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between non-partisan institutions and political pressures.
In the coming months, the appointment of a new Archivist will be closely watched, as it will set the tone for the future of NARA and its role in preserving the nation’s history. For now, the dismissal of Colleen Shogan remains a significant moment in the ongoing saga of the National Archives and its place in American politics.