The American Historical Association (AHA) has sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump concerning the removal of the Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen J. Shogan, from her position. Federal law requires the president to communicate “reasons for any such removal,” so the AHA “awaits the White House’s compliance with the law by informing Congress of the reasons for Dr. Shogan’s dismissal.”

The AHA’s letter is reproduced below and available on our website.

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Dear President Trump:

The Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen J. Shogan, has been removed from her position at your direction. Dr. Shogan has served in this nonpartisan role since her appointment was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 10, 2023. Per US federal law, “The Archivist shall be appointed without regard to political affiliations and solely on the basis of the professional qualifications required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the office of Archivist.”

Federal law (44 U.S.C. Chapter 21 § 2103) requires that “The President shall communicate the reasons for any such removal to each House of the Congress.” The Administration has not yet complied with this statute by communicating reasons for Dr. Shogan’s dismissal. The American Historical Association awaits the White House’s compliance with the law by informing Congress of the reasons for Dr. Shogan’s dismissal.

Democracy rests on the rule of law. And the history of the United States rests on unfettered access to the archival record.

Sincerely, 

James R. Grossman

Executive Director

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Founded in 1884 and incorporated by Congress in 1889 for the promotion of historical studies, the American Historical Association provides leadership for the discipline and promotes the critical role of historical thinking in public life. The Association defends academic freedom, develops professional standards, supports innovative scholarship and teaching, and helps to sustain and enhance the work of historians. As the largest membership association of professional historians in the world (nearly 11,000 members), the AHA serves historians in a wide variety of professions and represents every historical era and geographical area.