Statement on Independence of National Archives and Records Administration

We are deeply concerned by President Trump’s decision to fire the Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen Shogan, and the subsequent appointment of Jim Byron, a political ally, to oversee the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) under the direction of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. These actions, combined with the resignation of senior NARA leadership, pose a serious threat to the integrity, independence, and fundamental mission of the National Archives.

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The National Archives has a basic role in American society to maintain our government’s records. This ensures accountability and transparency while preserving our nation's history. As the custodian of billions of pages of government records, NARA safeguards democracy by ensuring public access to critical information, including:

• Oversight of federal records management: Federal agencies must follow NARA’s guidance on preserving or disposing of government records. This is intended to prevent the destruction or political manipulation of documents.
• Public access to government records through FOIA: NARA’s Office of Government Information Services ensures compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), enabling citizens and journalists to hold our government accountable.
• Handling of classified and sensitive records: NARA is responsible for the secure handling, storage, and declassification of secret, sensitive, and classified government documents. Its security protocols ensure that national security is maintained, and this function must remain independent of political influence.
• Military and veterans' records: NARA maintains military service records, which are critical for veterans seeking benefits, including healthcare, pensions, and education assistance.
• The Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations: NARA publishes these foundational government documents, ensuring transparency in rulemaking and executive actions.
• The Constitutional amendment process: The Archivist authenticates and certifies constitutional amendments, a fundamental democratic process.

The abrupt and unjustified firing of Dr. Shogan marks the first time in nearly a century that a president has removed an Archivist from office. The law governing the position (44 U.S.C. § 2103) states that 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." Moreover, the President is required to notify Congress of the reasons for removal - which has not been done.

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In 2022, the Council of State Archivists (CoSA) issued a statement outlining the essential qualifications and values necessary for the Archivist of the United States. These include expertise in archival science, government transparency, and records management, as well as a commitment to professional integrity and non-partisan administration. EveryLibrary supports these criteria and emphasizes that any nominee for Archivist must meet these professional standards to uphold the integrity and independence of NARA.

By replacing independent, nonpartisan leadership with a politically aligned appointee, this administration is attempting to undermine the integrity of our nation’s historical record and the mechanisms that ensure government accountability. This is not merely a bureaucratic shift—it is a direct threat to the preservation of truth, transparency, and democratic norms.

EveryLibrary believes that a nonpartisan, professionally qualified nomination for the next Archivist of the United States, in accordance with federal law and archival best practices. Congress and the Executive branch must protect the National Archives from political interference, ensuring it remains an independent steward of historical and governmental records. The independence of the National Archives is not a partisan issue—it is a fundamental pillar of our democracy. We urge all citizens to contact their elected representatives and demand accountability for this attack on government transparency and historical preservation. The integrity of our national record and the future of democratic governance depend on it.