President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to replace the head of the National Archives, reigniting focus on the agency central to the classified documents investigation that led to his federal indictment. Trump made the statement during an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt on Monday.
The National Archives first drew Trump’s ire in 2022 when it flagged concerns about his handling of classified documents, prompting a Department of Justice investigation. This culminated in an FBI search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence and subsequent criminal charges, marking the first federal indictment of a former president.
Colleen Shogan, the current archivist and the first woman to hold the position, was not in office during the initial stages of the investigation. Her predecessor, David Ferriero, retired in April 2022 after serving since his 2009 appointment by President Barack Obama. Shogan, nominated by President Joe Biden in August 2022, faced a contentious confirmation process due to her agency’s role in the documents probe.
The president has authority to remove the archivist and appoint a successor with Senate confirmation. Trump’s plan to replace Shogan aligns with his broader promise to confront what he calls the “deep state.” This term broadly refers to unelected federal officials and institutions that Trump claims undermine Republican governance and policy goals.
While the archivist’s role often operates quietly in preserving government records, the agency’s involvement in politically sensitive cases has made it a flashpoint. Trump’s promise signals continued scrutiny of federal agencies as he prepares to begin his second term.
