The Trump administration has launched fires on at least some of former President Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s appointees who oversee the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, including Douglas Emihoff, husband of former vice president Kamala Harris.
“Today I was informed of the removal from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council,” Emov said in a statement Tuesday. “Holocaust memory and education should never be politicized. It is dangerous to turn one of the worst atrocities in history into a wedge issue. And it disgraces the memories of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis that this museum was created to preserve.”
Emov is a Jewish person and an outspoken critic of the rise of anti-Semitism. His appointment to the council was announced in January. Appointment of a president is usually a five-year term.
Other officials fired include Biden's first chief of staff, Ron Crane. Tom Perez, former Secretary of Labor and senior adviser to Biden. Susan Rice, national security adviser to former President Barack Obama, and domestic policy adviser to Biden, who led major national strategic efforts to counter anti-Semitism. Anthony Vernal, senior adviser to Jill Biden, former first lady.
Biden made many appointments over the years, but it was not immediately clear how many others were fired.
“On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I write to let you know that your position as a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council will end and will soon be over,” Mary Sprawls, who works for the White House Office of Presidency, wrote in an email to officials Tuesday morning. “Thank you for the service.”
This memo came within a week of observing Holocaust memory day and at a complicated time for many American Jews.
“This is a sad day, as our mission on the council has always been independent,” Perez said in a short phone call.
Trump's representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the termination. A museum spokesman did not immediately have a comment.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
Jonathan Swan Reports of contributions.
