Colleen Shogan, the Archivist of the United States, was abruptly dismissed on Friday night by the Trump administration, marking a significant shift in the leadership of the National Archives.
Newsweek reported that the abrupt departure of Colleen Shogan as the U.S. archivist was anticipated after indications from Trump but still shocked many due to its timing and implications.
Sergio Gor, the director of the Presidential Personnel Office, made the announcement, stating that the decision came directly from the President.
"At the direction of @realDonaldTrump, the Archivist of the United States has been dismissed tonight. We thank Colleen Shogan for her service," Gor expressed, drawing a line under Shogan's tenure.
Colleen Shogan was appointed as the Archivist of the United States by former President Joe Biden in 2022. She officially took over the position in 2023, becoming a central figure in overseeing the National Archives.
Shogan's leadership came during a tumultuous period when the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) found itself embroiled in a federal indictment against Trump.
The involvement of the National Archives became a pivotal aspect in a criminal referral on Donald Trump related to classified documents. This referral dates back to February 9, 2022, bringing the agency into the political spotlight.
Interestingly, Shogan's career included connections to the Trump family. During Trump's first term as President, Shogan worked with Melania Trump on several projects through the White House Historical Association. This professional relationship saw a continuation into Shogan's tenure as archivist.
In 2023, Shogan invited Melania Trump to speak at the National Archives, showcasing a collaborative effort that spanned years. This aspect of Shogan's career added depth to her role and interactions within the Trump administration.
The dismissal of Shogan was not entirely unforeseen, given Trump's previous statements. In an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump asserted, "We will have a new archivist." This remark set the stage for changes at the National Archives, with Shogan's exit appearing imminent.
Despite these hints, reports indicated that Shogan was taken aback by the timing of her dismissal. According to a CNN report, her reaction to the news emphasized the unexpected nature of the event.
Shogan's removal from the role raises questions about the direction of the National Archives under new leadership.
It remains unclear who will succeed her or how the change will impact the ongoing cases and projects under the institution's purview.
By dismissing an archivist appointed by Biden, the Trump administration asserts its influence and policy alignment.
Such a move suggests a desire for a new path forward for the National Archives. The organization has been at the forefront of a significant investigation, and the leadership transition may play a role in how these matters progress.
During her time as archivist, Shogan faced challenges and controversies, navigating the Archives’ role in both historical preservation and political scrutiny. Her contributions, such as bridging partnerships and inviting public figures for collaboration, underscored her strategic approach to leadership.
The invitation to Melania Trump was one such effort, aiming to highlight the National Archives' role in cultural and historical dialogue within the nation. These initiatives provided a broader platform for the Archives during her term.
