WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is making a bold promise to replace the head of the National Archives, putting the agency back in the political spotlight. His comments come after his handling of sensitive documents led to a federal indictment.
“We will have a new archivist,” Trump told radio host Hugh Hewitt on Monday, stirring up conversation about what’s next for the National Archives.
The agency caught Trump’s attention after it notified the Department of Justice in early 2022 about concerns over his handling of classified documents. This set off an investigation that eventually led to the FBI searching Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home — a move that resulted in Trump becoming the first former president ever charged with federal crimes.
Currently, Colleen Shogan holds the role of archivist, making history as the first woman to do so. However, she wasn’t in charge at the time when the issue with Trump’s documents started. Her predecessor, David Ferriero, was appointed by President Obama in 2009, but he retired in 2022. Shogan, nominated by President Biden in August 2022, was confirmed the following year after a long partisan debate over the Archives’ involvement in the document investigation.
While Trump’s decision to replace the National Archivist isn’t unusual, it highlights his continued push to challenge what he refers to as the “deep state.” This term often describes federal government workers and bureaucrats whom he believes oppose his and his party’s ideals.
After leaving office, presidents are required to hand over most of their records to the National Archives. When the agency realized that some of Trump’s documents were missing, it repeatedly asked him to return them. According to the federal indictment, Trump handed over some of the documents but kept others hidden.
Trump faces charges of willfully retaining national defense information, conspiring to obstruct justice, and making false statements. He has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing. Prosecutors decided to drop the case after his November election win, in line with a Justice Department policy that sitting presidents can’t be prosecuted.
As the story unfolds, all eyes are on Trump’s next moves — and the future of the National Archives. Will he go through with his plan for change? Time will tell.
