The AHA has sent a letter to President Trump regarding his dismissal of the Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen J. Shogan. “Federal law (44 U.S.C. Chapter 21 § 2103) requires that ‘The President shall communicate the reasons for any such removal to each House of the Congress,’” the AHA wrote. “The Administration has not yet complied with this statute by communicating reasons for Dr. Shogan’s dismissal. . . . Democracy rests on the rule of law. And the history of the United States rests on unfettered access to the archival record.”
President Donald J. Trump
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20500
February 10, 2025
Dear President Trump:
The Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen J. Shogan, has been removed from her position at your direction. Dr. Shogan has served in this nonpartisan role since her appointment was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 10, 2023. Per US federal law, “The Archivist shall be appointed without regard to political affiliations and solely on the basis of the professional qualifications required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the office of Archivist.”
Federal law (44 U.S.C. Chapter 21 § 2103) requires that “The President shall communicate the reasons for any such removal to each House of the Congress.” The Administration has not yet complied with this statute by communicating reasons for Dr. Shogan’s dismissal. The American Historical Association awaits the White House’s compliance with the law by informing Congress of the reasons for Dr. Shogan’s dismissal.
Democracy rests on the rule of law. And the history of the United States rests on unfettered access to the archival record.
Sincerely,
James R. Grossman
Executive Director
cc: Chief of Staff Susie Wiles
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt