President Donald Trump has removed Colleen Shogan from her role as the top official at the National Archives.

Shogan's dismissal was communicated by the White House on Friday evening and came after Trump earlier criticized the National Archives and signaled his intention to appoint a new leader, as Business Day reports.

Appointed as the archivist of the United States by then-President Joe Biden in 2022, Shogan made history as the first woman to lead the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

Just over a year into her position after beginning in 2023, Shogan's tenure has come to an unexpected halt.

Shogan's Career and Unexpected Dismissal

The announcement of Shogan's dismissal was shared by Sergio Gor, the White House Director of Presidential Personnel, who took to social media to share the development. "At the direction of @realDonaldTrump, the Archivist of the United States has been dismissed tonight. We thank Colleen Shogan for her service," Gor posted.

Before taking up the role at NARA, Shogan served as a senior vice president with the White House Historical Association. Her background in history and leadership was seen as a considerable asset to the National Archives.

According to CNN, Shogan was aware that she might be replaced but did not anticipate the swift nature of her dismissal. Sources indicated she was taken aback by the timing of President Trump's decision to fire her.

National Archives in the News

The National Archives has been under increased scrutiny, particularly since the FBI carried out a search at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in 2022. This search was conducted to recover classified documents that Trump had taken with him after his presidency.

Although Shogan was not working at the National Archives during the Mar-a-Lago search, the fallout and lingering issues connected to the investigation have kept the organization in the public eye. The search was part of a broader inquiry requested by the National Archives regarding Trump's handling of official records.

This action by the National Archives led to tension between Trump and the organization, who he felt unjustly targeted his record management practices. Trump's previous remarks labeling former Archivist David Ferriero as "a disaster" reveal ongoing dissatisfaction with the NARA's leadership.

Trump's Continual Criticism of NARA

Trump's critiques of the National Archives and its leadership have been consistent. During an interview with Hugh Hewitt, Trump expressed dissatisfaction not only with Ferriero but also hinted that Shogan would not last long under his administration.

"I think I can tell you that we will get somebody," Trump stated in the interview. He implied that new leadership at NARA was imminent, further forecasting Shogan's future removal.

Trump's decision to replace Shogan came after a year of significant tension due to the investigation into the mishandling of documents. This tension has reiterated the broader controversies surrounding the former president's tenure and post-presidency activities.

New Chapter for National Archives

With Shogan’s departure, the National Archives faces another transition period. The role of archivist is pivotal in guaranteeing the integrity and proper management of federal records, making the appointment of a new archivist crucial.

Whoever is chosen to replace Shogan will likely need to navigate the complexities surrounding Trump’s previous criticisms and the ongoing attention on the National Archives. The new appointee will have to balance the demands of the role with the intense public and political scrutiny NARA continues to face.

The position of archivist remains vital in maintaining historical records and ensuring transparency in governmental processes. The next person to hold the role will be responsible for maintaining the resilience and reputation of the National Archives in the wake of especially turbulent times.

As the nation watches, Trump’s decision highlights the importance of federal institutions like NARA and their leadership roles. It also demonstrates the potential for significant changes within these institutions reflective of the current political landscape.

The White House and the role of archivist will continue to be subjects of keen interest as the search for Shogan’s successor begins.