Jack Schlossberg criticizes Elon Musk amid temporary JFK Library closure

 February 19, 2025

The abrupt closure of the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum ignited public backlash following an executive order for a government "reduction in force," which was part of broader budget cuts spearheaded by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Jack Schlossberg, grandson of the 35th president, John F. Kennedy, voiced his frustration over the closure, accusing DOGE and former President Donald Trump of undermining JFK's legacy, as the Daily Mail reports.

On Tuesday afternoon, an announcement was posted on the entrance of the JFK Library, notifying the public of its sudden closure until further notice. This development was attributed to a new executive order focused on reducing government workforce levels.

Schlossberg Speaks Out

In response to the closure, Schlossberg took to social media in a heated video rant. He not only criticized Musk, who heads DOGE, but also voiced his dissatisfaction with former President Donald Trump's involvement.

Schlossberg expressed concerns for the current state of the nation, stating, "Hey, it's Jack. I'm OK, but our country is not. It's under attack from its own government." His statement was a direct indictment of the actions he believes are harming the country's historical heritage.

The executive order, intended to cut federal spending, led to $55 billion in savings across multiple departments. The measures included fraud detection, contract cancellations, and cutting down on training and news subscription costs.

Historical Significance of JFK Library

The JFK Library, which has been operational since August 1977, prides itself in its role in educating the public about the life and accomplishments of President Kennedy. Schlossberg highlighted this mission, underscoring the importance of preserving his grandfather's legacy.

"JFK sent a man to the moon," Schlossberg noted, emphasizing the importance of the library's existence for public knowledge and remembrance.

Despite assurances from the National Archives that the closure would be temporary, and that the library would resume operations the following day, Schlossberg's message resonated with many who felt the actions of DOGE were aggressive and unnecessary.

Controversial Savings and Public Backlash

According to the official doge.gov website, the department's initiatives have achieved substantial savings intended to streamline various governmental operations. However, these cuts have also provoked strong reactions from government workers and Democrats.

In a conversation with Sean Hannity on Fox News, Trump defended the budget reductions. He emphasized ongoing discussions with Musk about these strategic decisions.

Protests erupted as many expressed dissatisfaction with the reduced funding to departments such as Education, Health and Human Services, and Agriculture.

Call to Action Ignites Discussion

Amidst these developments, Schlossberg urged the public to resist what he perceived as harmful government actions. He quoted Dante's Inferno saying, "The darkest places in Hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality."

His rally cry to the public to "speak out and resist" drew significant attention on social media, reflecting a broader sentiment of discontent with the federal government's current operations under the Trump administration's executive orders.

The JFK Library foundation expressed their dismay over the sudden closure in a statement. They assured continued support for the library and their colleagues during this challenging period.

Temporary Nature and Implications of Closure

In contrast to the public outcry, the National Archives offered reassurance about the situation's temporary nature. A statement released by the agency indicated that the library would soon reopen, reiterating their commitment to welcoming visitors once again.

Trump's justification of the cost-cutting measures focused on achieving efficiency and reducing unnecessary expenditures. However, Jack Schlossberg's fierce response has sparked a conversation about the balance between government efficiency and preserving cultural and historical institutions.

As these developments continue to unfold, the discourse about federal budget priorities remains lively, spurred by the implications of DOGE's budgetary actions on American cultural heritage sites like the JFK Library. Ultimately, the future of such institutions -- caught at the intersection of fiscal policy and historical preservation -- will be a significant concern for policymakers and the public alike.

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