The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston closed its doors abruptly on Tuesday, following a sudden dismissal of federal employees. The unforeseen closure came as a result of an executive order signed last week that directed government department leaders to implement substantial workforce reductions. This directive primarily targeted probationary employees who had been in their roles for less than a year.
The JFK Library, a significant part of the Presidential Library System under the Office of Presidential Libraries within the National Archives and Records Administration, found itself among several other presidential museums affected nationwide. Notably, it ranks as the second most visited library in the system, trailing only the Ronald Reagan Library. In fiscal year 2024, the library welcomed 146,924 visitors, highlighting its importance to both Boston and the national heritage.
The employees affected by these cuts were reportedly instrumental in generating revenue for the government. Those dismissed expressed their distress over losing beloved jobs and the sudden financial instability they now face. The National Archives Public and Media Communications issued a statement shortly after 5:30 p.m., expressing their devastation at the news. Similarly, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation pledged ongoing support for their colleagues and the library in light of these developments.
Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, voiced his concerns about the situation. He remarked, "DOGE and the White House shut down the JFK Library," adding, "In my opinion, it has nothing to do with government efficiency. The workers who were fired today actually bring in revenue for the government."
The executive order responsible for this upheaval was initiated by a newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created through a collaboration between President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk. This department is tasked with executing large-scale reductions in the federal workforce, leading to thousands of federal workers being terminated.
Despite this setback, the library's website was promptly updated by 6:25 p.m. on Tuesday to announce its reopening scheduled for Wednesday, February 19. The National Archives did not immediately provide answers to inquiries from USA TODAY about the number of employees affected or how they plan to manage staffing for the library's reopening.
The library had initially planned this week to be an exception to its usual Wednesday closure due to nearby school closures. However, the sudden turn of events has altered those plans significantly.
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