JFK Library Reopens After Sudden Closure Citing ‘Executive Order’
The library was closed as of two p.m. Tuesday, citing a mass firing of federal employees following a brand new government order from President Donald Trump.
“As a result of government order, the JFK Library is closed till additional discover,” a basis spokesperson mentioned in a press release given to NewsCenter 5.
An identical assertion, citing the manager order, was additionally posted on the glass door of the library.
Kristen Peryer was within the museum together with her household, when out of the blue they had been requested to go away.
“Different friends had been strolling towards us as they had been being escorted out of the constructing, it was loopy,” Peryer mentioned. “She mentioned it is an exec order. They’re chopping workers. You must go away.”
Jennifer Schaeffer purchased tickets on-line, however by the point she and her household arrived, the museum had been shut down.
“There have been indicators everywhere in the entrance door which mentioned ‘closed resulting from government order’, that was stunning,” Schaeffer mentioned. “Typically you’re feeling separated from that, however when it instantly impacts a easy factor, it is form of eye-opening.”
An worker described an emotional assembly that was held simply earlier than the constructing was closed. They mentioned a number of individuals left the assembly in tears and that as much as 9 members of the workers had been laid off.
JFK’s dwelling kin mentioned the blame is on Trump and Elon Musk and their determination to fireside federal employees.
Jack Schlossberg, JFK’s grandson, spoke out in regards to the closure and mentioned the director of presidential libraries from the White Home and DOGE instructed the JFK Library to fireside numerous workers efficient instantly and till additional discover.
“It has nothing to do with authorities effectivity, the employees who had been fired right now really usher in income for the federal government,” Schlossberg mentioned. “It is actually about stealing the previous and about producing propaganda.”
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey shared the same sentiment to Schlossberg.
“Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s inconsiderate campaign has triggered an iconic establishment and financial driver to shut in Massachusetts,” Healey mentioned in a press release.
“The JFK Library performs a necessary position in our state and nation’s historical past, our journey and tourism sector, and our economic system. We hope that this closure shall be short-term and urge President Trump and DOGE to reverse course in order that the library can reopen to proceed educating guests and contributing to our economic system.”
The library and museum honoring the thirty fifth president is housed in a landmark constructing, designed by I.M. Pei, on Columbia Level in Dorchester. The complicated opened on Oct. 20, 1979, and then-President Jimmy Carter was among the many luminaries who spoke.
The power is considered one of 16 presidential libraries administered by the Nationwide Archives and Information Administration.
“The day after President’s Day, Trump’s DOGE has arbitrarily fired workers on the JFK Presidential Library, forcing it to shut its doorways,” Sen. Ed Markey mentioned in a press release.
“Shutting down this very important place of studying, engagement, and income creation, if even for a day isn’t simply flawed, it degrades the very workplace of the president.”
Trump was scheduled to signal orders Tuesday whereas at his non-public membership and residence in Palm Seaside, together with one about access to IVF treatments. It’s unclear if the library closure was a product of a brand new order or a earlier order.
“The JFK Library is a extremely particular place. Daily, individuals from across the nation & world go to to search out inspiration from our thirty fifth President. Trump let DOGE shut it down,” Rep. Jim McGovern mentioned in a press release.
“In the meantime egg costs are by means of the roof and he is losing cash on publicity stunts on the Daytona 500.”
DOGE has not answered how a lot the federal authorities intends to save lots of with the workforce cuts.
