Trump’s Archivist Purge—A Direct Threat to Democracy

I am writing to express my grave concern over Donald Trump’s unprecedented firing of the U.S. Archivist—a move that has never happened in the 100-year history of the position. Given his well-documented attempts to interfere with the Electoral College, erase government regulations, rewrite the Constitution, and illegally retain or destroy government records, this move is not just alarming—it’s a direct attack on democracy. Trump’s decision to replace the independent, nonpartisan Archivist with his yes-man Marco Rubio is a five-alarm fire. The National Archives is responsible for preserving the integrity of our government’s records, including presidential documents and historical evidence critical to accountability. This is nothing less than a power grab designed to erase history and consolidate unchecked control. This move, along with his broader usurpation of congressional power, is happening without the consent of Congressand in direct defiance of democratic norms. I am asking you to do everything in your power to fight back—publicly, forcefully, and relentlessly. This cannot be swept under the rug or treated as routine; it is a blatant attempt to dismantle oversight and rewrite history to serve his authoritarian ambitions. As your constituent, I am urging you to: • Demand immediate oversight hearings on Trump’s politicization of the National Archives. • Introduce or support legislation to prevent partisan takeovers of independent agencies. • Hold accountable those enabling this power grab and sound the alarm before it’s too late. At the same time, I want to thank you for the ways you are already fighting to protect democracy. But now is the time for even louder and stronger resistance. The survival of our democratic institutions depends on it.