US President Donald Trump has removed Doug Emhoff, husband of his former rival Kamala Harris, from the Holocaust Memorial Council board, drawing an angry reaction.
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Emhoff, who is married to the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee and former US vice-president, campaigned against antisemitism as part of the administration of Joe Biden, who appointed him to the board.
“Let me be clear: Holocaust remembrance and education should never be politicised,” Emhoff, who is Jewish, posted on Tuesday, confirming his dismissal.
“To turn one of the worst atrocities in history into a wedge issue is dangerous – and it dishonours the memory of 6 million Jews murdered by Nazis that this museum was created to preserve.”
Since taking office, Trump has looked beyond politics to impose his brand of right-wing populism on cultural and educational institutions such as Washington’s prestigious Kennedy Centre and Harvard University.
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He has also sought to settle scores with perceived adversaries – targeting law firms associated with his political foes, such as Emhoff’s employer, Willkie Farr and Gallagher.