On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts closed abruptly due to the “sudden dismissal of federal employees.” The museum expects to reopen on Wednesday, February 19.
“The sudden dismissal of federal employees at the JFK Library forced the museum to close today,” the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum stated. “As the Foundation that supports the JFK Library, we are devastated by this news and will continue to support our colleagues and the Library.”
Trump reportedly asked advisers for a “list” of staff members at the National Archives who he should look to remove. Within the last month, Trump has fired the head of the National Archives and Records Administration and the institution’s deputy archivist. More recently, at least five employees were let go at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
“President Trump is firing American workers who monitor bird flu outbreaks, safeguard nuclear facilities, and now those who promote American history in Dorchester – all to help pay for tax breaks for billionaires and giant corporations,” Senator Elizabeth Warren said.
“Trump’s shutdown of the JFK Library won’t lower egg prices or make housing more affordable, but it’s part of a retribution tour designed to distract from his agenda to enrich the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of everyone else.”
Trump has been publicly critical of the National Archives and Records Administration since it asked the Department of Justice to investigate his mishandling of classified documents. Upon leaving office in 2021, Trump was accused of taking several highly classified documents. He reportedly refused several of the National Archives and Records Administration’s attempts to retrieve the documents, leading the Department of Justice to issue a subpoena. In response, Trump allegedly moved the documents from his residence and discarded surveillance video of the documents being moved. Trump maintains that all materials he removed from the White House were declassified. Ultimately, he avoided trial when a Trump-appointed judge, Aileen Cannon, after determining Special Counsel Jack Smith, the investigator who brought about charges against Trump, had not been appropriately appointed.
