Let’s talk about a recent move by former President Donald Trump that’s been making waves: the leadership of the National Archives and Records Administration is getting a shake-up. If you’re wondering why this matters, stick with me—this is about more than just dusty old documents.
The Big News
Trump has decided to remove Colleen Shogan, the current Archivist of the United States, and plans to nominate someone of his own choosing. Sergio Gor, Trump’s personnel chief, confirmed this on X (formerly Twitter) late Friday, thanking Shogan for her service.
This decision isn’t entirely out of the blue. Trump has had a rocky history with the National Archives, especially following his departure from the White House in 2021. Although Shogan wasn’t in charge during those earlier conflicts—she was appointed by President Biden later—Trump’s move to replace her feels like part of a bigger plan to reshape key government roles.
Why the National Archives Matters
You might be thinking, “It’s just records—why all the drama?” But the National Archives plays a critical role. They’re the guardians of presidential records, ensuring transparency and preserving history. And this agency was at the center of several high-profile disputes involving Trump’s White House documents.
For example, after Trump left office, the Archives spent months trying to recover records they believed he’d taken with him. This led to a chain of events involving classified documents, a criminal investigation, and even an FBI search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
What Led to This Moment?
Here’s a quick recap:
- 2021: Trump tried to block the Archives from giving certain White House records to a congressional committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack.
- 2022: Archives officials retrieved 15 boxes of documents from Mar-a-Lago, some containing classified materials. This prompted the Justice Department to open an investigation.
- 2023: Trump was indicted for allegedly mishandling classified documents, but the case was dismissed due to constitutional challenges against the special counsel leading the probe.
Now, as Trump prepares for another term in office, his decision to replace the Archivist feels like part of a broader effort to ensure his team is in control of key government functions.
What’s Next?
Trump’s nominee for the Archivist role will have to navigate some tricky waters. The Archives’ work doesn’t just involve storing old papers; it’s about maintaining the integrity of government records—something that’s been a flashpoint in recent years.
And for the rest of us? It’s a reminder that the institutions safeguarding our history and transparency can have a huge impact, even if they usually work behind the scenes.
