The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is set to reopen tomorrow. The staff at the National Archives is ready to welcome guests and researchers back.
The library’s recent closure was unexpected. It stemmed from President Trump’s push to streamline government operations, which affected many federal employees. Former Congressman Joe Kennedy III expressed concern about this approach. He noted that cutting resources for libraries to balance the budget is troubling, especially since much of the wealth in society, including that of prominent public figures, stems from government contracts.
Interestingly, the JFK Library was the only one of the 13 presidential libraries managed by the National Archives to close without explanation this past Tuesday. Other libraries, like the Harry S. Truman Library and the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library, cited winter weather as a reason for their closures. The Herbert Hoover Library is closed for renovations until the summer of 2026.
The abrupt cuts to the federal workforce have left many people confused and concerned. Last week, agencies were instructed to lay off nearly all probationary employees—those who have less than a year of service and lack job security. At the JFK Library, five employees who worked in museum admissions were let go, leading to the decision to close the library for the day.
Jack Schlossberg, a grandson of John F. Kennedy, took to Instagram to voice his frustration with the situation. He criticized the Trump administration for using cost-cutting measures to undermine institutions that preserve American history.
On January 23, Trump ordered the declassification of records related to Kennedy’s assassination, adding to the tension surrounding the library’s closure. The National Archives recently lost several senior staff members, contributing to the turmoil within the federal agency.
In addition to the JFK Library, the National Park Service has faced significant layoffs, including 1,000 new hires. However, they recently announced they would reinstate about 5,000 seasonal jobs that had been previously cut. It’s unclear if the probationary staff at the JFK Library will also be reinstated.
As the reopening approaches, many are hopeful yet anxious about the future of this vital institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of President Kennedy.
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