Trump Picks Replacements for US Holocaust Memorial Council

The president has rejected some members appointed by his predecessors.

President Donald Trump has appointed alternatives to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, including radio personality Sidney Rosenberg and real estate developer Alex Witcoff.

In a post on the Truth Social Platform on May 6, Trump said he nominated 14 members to the council that oversees the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, a museum in Washington.

“They are all strong supporters of Israel and I assure us, never forget us,” Trump wrote.

77 Rosenberg, who hosts the show on WABC, wrote on Instagram that he is grateful for “This is an incredible once in a lifetime!”

Witkoff, son of Trump administration envoy Steve Witkoff, said he is proud to be part of the council on social media platform X.

“As a Jewish American, this fight is personal. Anti-Semitism is rising. You have to remember, act, and remember hatred where it exists. Never mean again,” he said.

Several Rabbis, including Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz, were among the other members appointed by Trump.

Twelve new members are listed on the Holocaust Museum website. It is not clear why the other two individuals Trump has identified are not listed.

In April, Trump rejected Doug Emov, husband of former vice president Kamala Harris, and other members of the Holocaust Memorial Council, appointed by former President Joe Biden.

“President Trump looks forward to appointing a new individual who continues to respect the memories of those who died in the Holocaust, as well as being a steady supporter of Israel,” White House spokesman Caroline Leavitt told the Epoch Times at the time.

The fire sparked criticism, including Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). In a letter to the president, he wrote, “using institutional forces to punish dissent, erase dissent, and remake history through the lens of political convenience.”

Turning one of the worst atrocities in history into a wedge problem is dangerous. And it disgraces the memories of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis that the museum was created to preserve,” Emov said in a social media statement.

The Council was established by Congress in 1980 to oversee the museum and features 55 members, usually appointed by the President. Other members come from Congress and federal agencies.

Thirteen members have been fired by Trump, including former White House Chief of Staff Ron Crane, former Senator David Sicillin (Dr.I.), and former national security adviser Susan Rice.