By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan was dismissed Friday night by President Trump, as announced by Presidential Personnel Office Director Sergio Gor. Shogan’s dismissal, while seemingly sudden, followed Trump’s earlier indication of a planned replacement. The move comes amidst Trump’s past clashes with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) over his handling of classified documents. This appointment is significant given the typically apolitical nature of the archivist’s role.
Read the original article here
Trump firing the Archivist of the United States, the official responsible for overseeing all government records, is a deeply unsettling event. This action feels like a direct act of retribution, stemming from the National Archives’ role in uncovering the classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago. The very act of targeting the individual responsible for safeguarding these records speaks volumes about a disregard for the rule of law and the preservation of historical accuracy.
This firing is especially alarming considering the importance of the National Archives. It holds invaluable records, including census data and naturalization documents—critical resources for genealogical research and understanding American history. Limiting or eliminating access to these records would significantly hinder efforts to trace family histories and could even contribute to erasing the historical experiences of marginalized communities. It suggests an intent to control the narrative of the past, raising concerns about the future of historical accuracy and public access to information.
The implications of this move extend far beyond genealogical research. It points to a troubling attempt to control the historical record itself, potentially to erase or distort events unfavorable to Trump’s narrative. The concern is not merely about inconvenient facts, but about potentially memory-holing events such as the January 6th insurrection, hindering any investigation into its causes and ramifications. This raises serious questions about the future of accountability and the ability to learn from past mistakes.
The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated. The Archives are a cornerstone of American democracy, a vital institution that safeguards the nation’s historical memory. The deliberate targeting of this institution sends a chilling message, suggesting a willingness to rewrite history and suppress dissent. This action feels like a direct assault on the very fabric of democracy, raising fears about the potential for future abuses of power. It is an act that undermines the principles of transparency and accountability, fundamental to any democratic society.
The potential consequences are far-reaching. The destruction or suppression of records is a hallmark of authoritarian regimes, and this action could mark a dangerous step down that path. The fear expressed by many is not an exaggeration; the systematic dismantling of institutions designed to maintain historical integrity is a clear sign of an attempt to manipulate and control the narrative. The concern that this is just the first step in a larger plan to reshape the country’s past is valid and deeply worrying.
The timing of this event is also significant. It comes at a moment when other democratic institutions are under considerable strain. The ongoing challenges faced by the Library of Congress, and the potential for further attacks on other repositories of historical information are cause for major alarm. This suggests a concerted effort to undermine the very foundation upon which informed public discourse and democratic decision-making rely.
There is a pervasive feeling that this is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader pattern of behavior designed to control information and consolidate power. The comparisons to historical instances of authoritarian regimes rewriting history are not hyperbole; they are a sobering reflection of the current trajectory. The potential for further actions to suppress dissent and rewrite history is a grave concern that needs to be addressed immediately.
The silencing of voices, the suppression of information, and the attack on institutions dedicated to preserving the truth all point to a deliberate strategy to control the narrative. This is not just about political maneuvering; it’s about fundamentally undermining the ability of the public to understand its own history and hold those in power accountable. This event should serve as a wake-up call for everyone who values truth, transparency, and the preservation of democratic institutions. It demands a robust response to ensure the Archives, and indeed all our democratic institutions, remain protected from such attacks.