President Donald Trump has started removing appointees of former President Joe Biden from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, including Douglas Emhoff, the husband of former Vice President Kamala Harris, and other senior Biden officials. These dismissals have sparked criticism, as the museum's mission should remain nonpartisan and focused on Holocaust remembrance and education, rather than becoming politicized. Emhoff, who is Jewish and an advocate against antisemitism, expressed concern that politicizing the museum dishonors the memory of the Holocaust victims. The White House announced intentions to appoint individuals who are steadfast supporters of Israel, although the criteria for such support remain unclear. The firings occurred shortly after Holocaust Remembrance Day, raising concerns among some American Jews about the potential political manipulation of antisemitism fears by Trump.

President Trump has fired several Biden appointees from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, including Douglas Emhoff and other senior Biden White House officials, as part of a significant political reshuffle.

Douglas Emhoff, known for his advocacy against rising antisemitism, criticized the firings, highlighting the danger of politicizing Holocaust remembrance and the dishonor it brings to the memory of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis.

The dismissals included notable figures such as Ron Klain, Tom Perez, Susan Rice, and Anthony Bernal, all of whom were appointed by Biden to serve five-year terms starting in January.

The White House indicated that President Trump plans to appoint new council members who are strong supporters of Israel, though it did not clarify what qualifies someone as a steadfast supporter.

The firings, deemed unprecedented by some, occurred in the wake of Holocaust Remembrance Day, leading to concerns that Trump is using legitimate fears of antisemitism for political gains.

Former Representative David Cicilline and others voiced disappointment, emphasizing the traditionally nonpartisan nature of the museum's work and the importance of its mission to challenge societal roles and confront hate.

The museum maintained a neutral stance in its statement, focusing on its ongoing mission and collaboration with the Trump administration amidst a climate of high antisemitism and Holocaust denial.