Instant Insight
30-Second Take
- President Donald Trump has fired Colleen Joy Shogan, the Archivist of the United States, who oversees the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
- Shogan was the first woman to hold the position permanently, appointed by President Joe Biden in May 2023.
- Her dismissal is linked to her involvement in Trump’s criminal case and the administration’s broader efforts to reshape federal agencies.
+ Dive Deeper
Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
The Archivist of the United States is a critical position responsible for safeguarding and making available all permanently valuable records of the federal government, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Core Players
- Colleen Joy Shogan – Former Archivist of the United States, first woman to hold the position permanently.
- Donald Trump – President of the United States, who fired Shogan.
- Joe Biden – President who appointed Shogan in May 2023.
- National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) – The agency overseen by the Archivist.
Key Numbers
- 1934 – The year the National Archives was established as an independent federal agency.
- April 1, 1985 – The date NARA became an independent agency again after being part of the General Services Administration.
- May 17, 2023 – The date Colleen Joy Shogan was sworn in as Archivist.
- February 8, 2025 – The date of Shogan’s dismissal by President Trump.
+ Full Analysis
Full Depth
Complete Coverage
The Catalyst
President Trump’s decision to fire Colleen Joy Shogan was announced on January 6, 2025, during a phone interview with Hugh Hewitt. Trump stated his intention to replace Shogan, who was involved in his criminal case.
This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape key federal agencies and their leadership.
Inside Forces
The Archivist of the United States plays a critical role in maintaining and making available historical records, including the ratification of constitutional amendments and the custody of presidential papers.
Shogan’s removal could influence the administration and accessibility of these records, potentially aligning with Trump’s broader policy goals.
Power Dynamics
The Archivist is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, but can be removed by the President without Senate approval.
Trump’s decision to fire Shogan underscores his executive power and ability to reshape federal agencies according to his administration’s priorities.
Outside Impact
The dismissal of Shogan has significant implications for the preservation and accessibility of historical records. It also reflects the ongoing political tensions between the Trump administration and other branches of government.
Historical and academic communities may express concerns about the potential politicization of the National Archives and the impact on research and transparency.
Future Forces
The replacement of Shogan will likely be a contentious issue, with potential nominees facing scrutiny from both the Senate and the public.
The long-term impact on NARA and the preservation of federal records will depend on the qualifications and approach of the new Archivist.
Data Points
- October 10, 1934 – The first Archivist, Robert Digges Wimberly Connor, began serving.
- August 3, 2022 – President Joe Biden nominated Colleen Joy Shogan for the position.
- May 17, 2023 – Colleen Joy Shogan was sworn in as Archivist.
- January 6, 2025 – Trump announced his intention to replace Shogan.
- February 8, 2025 – Shogan was officially dismissed by President Trump.
The firing of Colleen Joy Shogan as the Archivist of the United States marks a significant development in the ongoing political landscape. It highlights the executive branch’s power to shape federal agencies and the potential implications for the preservation and accessibility of historical records.
