The release of unredacted JFK assassination files resulted in the accidental disclosure of sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, prompting outrage and legal action. Former Trump lawyer Joseph diGenova plans to sue the National Archives, citing negligence in the review process. The White House claims the release fulfilled a promise of transparency and that a plan is in place to offer credit monitoring and new Social Security numbers to affected individuals. However, the decision-making process behind the release of this personal data remains unexplained.
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President Trump’s request to move the Declaration of Independence to the Oval Office raised concerns among advisors regarding the significant logistical and security challenges involved in relocating the original document. Advisors successfully steered the President towards displaying a historical copy instead, alleviating these concerns. This focus aligns with Trump’s broader interest in celebrating American history, as evidenced by his establishment of “Task Force 250” for the Declaration’s 250th anniversary. The incident highlights the President’s ongoing efforts to reshape the White House’s aesthetic and historical presentation.
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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.
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The names of approximately 425,000 individuals suspected of collaborating with the Nazis during the German occupation of the Netherlands have been published online, for the first time, by the Dutch National Archives. This database, stemming from investigations by the Special Jurisdiction (1944), includes suspects’ names, birthdates, and locations, but omits details of guilt or the nature of alleged collaboration; access to those specifics requires visiting the physical archives. While concerns regarding privacy and potential negative reactions were considered, the government believes this increased accessibility is crucial for confronting the nation’s difficult past.
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John Q. Hosedrinker