Trump Fires Kamala Harris’ Husband From Holocaust Museum

President Donald Trump has dismissed Doug Emhoff, husband of former Vice President Kamala Harris, from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council; another high-profile removal as Trump continues to clear out Biden-era appointees. Emhoff, who served as the nation’s first Second Gentlemen, was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2024 to help support Holocaust education and remembrance.

In a statement following his removal, Emhoff didn’t hold back. “Let me be clear,” he said. “Holocaust remembrance and education should never be politicized.” While not naming Trump directly, his remarks strong implied the decision was political retaliation.

This isn’t the first time Trump has made headlines for replacing cultural or symbolic appointments. Earlier this year, he ousted several Biden-era appointees from the Kennedy Center board, sparking backlash from the arts communities who argued that the institution should remain politically neutral. That wave of firings was seen as a clear sign that Trump was asserting control over symbolic and cultural institutions that had previously been less partisan.

The White House has defended the decisions, saying Trump is simply appointing people who align with his administration’s priorities, including staunch support for Israel and combating antisemitism. Still, critics argue that politicizing roles tied to Holocaust remembrance undermines their gravity and nonpartisan mission.

While Emhoff’s term was set to run until 2029, his early removal adds to a growing list of former Biden officials being shown the door. Despite the shake-up, Emhoff says he remains committed to Holocaust education and fighting hate in all forms.