In a surprising political maneuver, President Donald Trump has dismissed former second gentleman Doug Emhoff and a number of other appointees from the Biden administration from their roles on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. The news broke when Emhoff publicly addressed his removal on April 29, 2025, expressing concern over the politicization of Holocaust remembrance efforts.
Emhoff's statement condemned the decision, emphasizing that "Holocaust remembrance and education should never be politicized," and warning that using "one of the worst atrocities in history as a wedge issue is dangerous." He alluded to the solemn purpose of the council and the museum it supports, to honor the memory of the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust. The move has been interpreted by many as a significant shift in the council's makeup and a departure from its intended mission.
Among those also removed were Ron Klain, former Biden chief of staff; Susan Rice, former national security adviser under President Obama; Tom Perez, former labor secretary and Democratic National Committee chair; and Anthony Bernal, senior advisor to former First Lady Jill Biden. These dismissals have sparked conversations regarding the continuity of the council's work and the intentions behind such a sweeping change.
Former Trump Press Secretary Sean Spicer, previously ousted by the Biden administration, commented on the dismissals to Breitbart News, framing them as a form of retribution: “Now all of these Biden appointees are paying the price for what Biden did.” This perspective suggests a tit-for-tat dynamic in presidential appointments to government councils.
The actions taken by Trump reflect a precedent set by the Biden administration, which had removed numerous Trump appointees from similar positions. These earlier dismissals were upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, thereby providing legal backing for the current administration's decisions.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the dismissals, stating that President Trump looks forward to appointing new members who will both honor Holocaust victims and firmly support the State of Israel. The statement hints at a possible redirection in the council's focus, aligning more closely with President Trump's foreign policy priorities.
During his term, Emhoff was charged with developing a strategy to combat antisemitism, a task that drew criticism from pro-Israel groups and put his efforts under scrutiny even before his dismissal. His removal, along with others, comes at a time of heightened concern over antisemitism, Holocaust distortion, and denial.
The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum acknowledged the personnel changes in a statement that avoided direct commentary on the dismissals. Instead, the museum emphasized its mission and the increasing public demand for Holocaust education. The museum's leadership expressed their commitment to working with the Trump Administration and continuing their educational work amidst these changes.