Trump administration sparks outrage with mass firing from Holocaust Memorial Council Including Kamala Harris’ spouse

The Trump administration has removed several Biden-era appointees from the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, including Doug Emhoff, the husband of former Vice President Kamala Harris.

The move has been widely condemned by those affected, who view it as an effort to politicise Holocaust remembrance, Caliber.Az reports, referring to foreign media.

Doug Emhoff, who was appointed to the council earlier this year and had served as a leading figure in the Biden administration’s efforts to combat antisemitism, confirmed his dismissal on Tuesday. In a sharply worded statement, he criticised the Trump administration’s action as an inappropriate political intrusion into a space that should remain above partisanship.

“Let me be clear: Holocaust remembrance and education should never be politicised,” Emhoff said. “To turn one of the worst atrocities in history into a wedge issue is dangerous – and it dishonors the memory of six million Jews murdered by Nazis that this museum was created to preserve.”

Emhoff, who is Jewish, vowed to continue his work combating antisemitism and promoting education about the Holocaust. “I will continue to speak out, to educate, and to fight hate in all its forms – because silence is never an option,” he said. “No divisive political decision will ever shake my commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education or to combating hate and antisemitism.”

His removal comes one day before Kamala Harris is scheduled to deliver her first major public speech since leaving office in January. She is expected to offer a forceful critique of the Trump administration during her appearance in San Francisco.

Emhoff was not the only Biden-era appointee dismissed from the council. According to Jewish Insider, others who were removed include Ron Klain, former White House chief of staff; Susan Rice, former ambassador to the United Nations and domestic policy adviser; Jon Finer, former deputy national security adviser; Tom Perez, former labor secretary; Alan Solomont, former US ambassador to Spain and Andorra; Mary Zients, the wife of former Biden chief of staff Jeff Zients; and Anthony Bernal, a longtime adviser to former First Lady Jill Biden.

Solomont, who had been appointed in 2023, said he was informed of his removal via email from the White House Presidential Personnel Office. The message, cited by Jewish Insider, stated: “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council is terminated, effective immediately. Thank you for your service.” No explanation was provided.

Members of the Holocaust Memorial Council typically serve five-year terms. The council oversees the work of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and supports efforts to commemorate Holocaust victims and promote education to prevent future atrocities.

In a statement, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum did not directly address the firings but emphasised its ongoing mission: “At this time of high antisemitism and Holocaust distortion and denial, the Museum is gratified that our visitation is robust and demand for Holocaust education is increasing. We look forward to continuing to advance our vitally important mission as we work with the Trump Administration.”

By Tamilla Hasanova