In a significant reshuffling of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, President Donald Trump has appointed 14 new members, replacing several appointees from the Biden administration. This move has sparked discussions about the politicization of the council, which oversees the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.(JNS.org)
The New Appointees
President Trump announced the new appointments via his social media platform, Truth Social, stating:
“I am pleased to announce that the Board of the Holocaust Memorial Council has been completely formed: Siggy Flicker, Tila Falic, Jackie Zeckman, Rabbi Nate Segal, Jonathan Burkan, Lee Lipton, Betty Schwartz, Fred Marcus, Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz, Sid Rosenberg, Ariel Abergel, Barbara Feingold, Alex Witkoff, and Robert Garson.”(Jerusalem Post)
He added, “They are all strong supporters of Israel, and will ensure we NEVER FORGET.” (Jerusalem Post)
Among the appointees is Siggy Flicker, a former star of “Real Housewives of New Jersey” and a vocal Trump supporter. Flicker expressed her gratitude for the appointment on Instagram.
Another notable appointee is Sid Rosenberg, a conservative radio personality known for his outspoken views. Rosenberg has been a fierce supporter of Israel and Trump, having spoken at Trump’s campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in 2024. (JNS.org)
Alex Witkoff, CEO of the Witkoff Group and son of U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, is also among the new members. (JNS.org)
The Dismissed Members
The new appointments come after President Trump dismissed several members appointed during the Biden administration. Among those removed were former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, former Ambassador Susan Rice, former Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, former presidential senior advisor Tom Perez, and former Ambassador Alan Solomont. (Jewish Insider)
Emhoff, who is Jewish and previously served on President Biden’s antisemitism task force, criticized the removal, warning against politicizing Holocaust remembrance. (New York Post)
Reactions and Concerns
The appointments have drawn criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that the inclusion of political allies and media personalities may undermine the nonpartisan nature of the council. The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, established by Congress in 1980, is intended to lead the nation in commemorating the Holocaust and to raise private funds for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum)
Representative Jamie Raskin expressed concerns that President Trump aims to politicize the institution, while Representative Don Bacon defended the president’s authority to appoint new members. (The Washington Post)
The museum, which receives both federal and private funding, continues its mission amid heightened concerns about rising antisemitism and the growing public demand for Holocaust education. (The Washington Post)
The Role of the Council
The United States Holocaust Memorial Council serves as the governing board of trustees for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. The council is responsible for ensuring the museum’s mission is fulfilled, including Holocaust remembrance, education, and the prevention of genocide. It operates as a public-private partnership, receiving some federal funding to support operations of the museum building. (United States Holocaust Memorial Museum)
Conclusion
President Donald Trump’s recent appointments to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council have sparked significant public and political debate, raising questions about the growing politicization of institutions traditionally considered nonpartisan. The Council, which governs the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., plays a critical role in Holocaust education, remembrance, and in countering antisemitism. However, the inclusion of several Trump allies—including media figures, business leaders, and outspoken supporters of the former president—has triggered concern from various historians, Jewish organizations, and political leaders.
Supporters of the new appointees argue that many of them have consistently advocated for Jewish causes, have strong ties to the Jewish community, and are vocal in their support for Israel. President Trump emphasized that his picks are committed to the motto “Never Again” and will protect the integrity of Holocaust memory. Critics, however, fear that bringing politically charged figures into such a solemn and historically significant institution could dilute its nonpartisan mission and shift the focus from education to political loyalty.
As the Council begins a new chapter under Trump’s appointees, many observers will be watching closely to see whether the museum’s educational goals and commitment to historical accuracy remain untouched, or if the appointments bring lasting changes to its leadership and legacy.
Related Articles:
- Trump appoints ‘Real Housewives’ star to Holocaust Museum board
- Trump names allies to Holocaust Museum board after firing Biden appointees
- Trump picks reality show star for Holocaust Museum council(Page Six, The Washington Post, The Independent)
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