National Archives and Records Administration Should Never be Politicized.

With so much attention focused on the threats to IMLS and libraries in the federal budget, we want to make sure that we don’t lose sight of what is happening at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

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Roughly 100 NARA staff, which is about 3% of the agency, have received reduction-in-force notices as part of a broader executive order from February that aims to downsize the federal workforce through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

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These developments are unfolding quietly, but the consequences for transparency, accountability, and historical integrity are immense.

The cuts to NARA will first impact public-facing services.

Delays in veteran record requests, reductions in open hours, and canceled educational programs are already being projected.

NARA’s critical work preserving historical records, safeguarding our democracy, and providing public access to information is at risk because of political decisions made behind closed doors.

NARA should never be politicized.

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In early February, President Trump removed Dr. Colleen Shogan from her post as Archivist of the United States without explanation.

Dr. Shogan had been a steady leader committed to preserving the integrity of our national records.

In her place, Deputy Archivist William “Jay” Bosanko stepped in, only to resign within days, reportedly under pressure from political operatives.

The White House then named Secretary of State Marco Rubio as acting Archivist, a highly irregular move that further undermines the independence of NARA.

Alongside Rubio, Jim Byron from the Nixon Foundation has taken on an undefined leadership role inside the agency.

Staff at NARA have reported confusion and frustration at internal meetings, with no clear direction for how the agency will maintain its mission under this imposed structure.

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The preservation of records, the constancy of truth, and the ability of Americans to hold our government accountable rely on a fully functioning, independent, and professional National Archives.

EveryLibrary is proud to support the institutions that protect knowledge and memory. If you believe the National Archives must remain independent and fully funded and not be restructured for political gain, we invite you to sign our petition today.