Trump Fires Biden-Appointed Holocaust Memorial Board Members, Sparks Controversy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has dismissed several members of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council who were appointed by former President Joe Biden, including Doug Emhoff, Biden’s former second gentleman.

Ron Klain, who served as Biden’s chief of staff, confirmed to CBS News that he and others appointed to the council in early 2025 have been removed. In January, Biden appointed 12 new members to the 68-member board before leaving office.

Emhoff, who is Jewish, expressed his disappointment in a statement, saying, “Let me be clear: Holocaust remembrance and education should never be politicized. To turn one of the worst atrocities in history into a wedge issue is dangerous — and it dishonors the memory of six million Jews murdered by Nazis that this museum was created to preserve.”

He further asserted, “No divisive political decision will ever shake my commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education or to combatting hate and antisemitism. I will continue to speak out, to educate, and to fight hate in all its forms — because silence is never an option.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “President Trump looks forward to appointing new individuals who will not only continue to honor the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust, but who are also steadfast supporters of the State of Israel.”

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, founded in 1980 in Washington, D.C., aims to honor victims of the Holocaust and educate future generations about its history. The museum noted that through the power of Holocaust history, it challenges leaders and individuals worldwide to combat antisemitism and promote human dignity.

Alongside Emhoff, other Biden appointees reportedly fired include Susan Rice, Jon Finer, Tom Perez, Alan Solomont, and Mary Zients. Solomont, who was appointed in 2023, confirmed receiving an email notifying him of his termination without any further explanation.

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum emphasized its mission at a time when antisemitism and Holocaust denial are issues of concern. It expressed commitment to continuing its work with the Trump administration to further Holocaust education.