Leadership Shake-Up at the National Archives: What You Need to Know
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has been at the center of significant leadership changes in recent weeks, raising questions about the stability and future direction of the agency. Just one week after President Trump fired the head of NARA, Colleen Shogan, the second-in-command, Deputy Archivist William "Jay" Bosanko, announced his intention to retire. This news, confirmed by a source familiar with the situation, adds another layer of complexity to an agency already embroiled in high-profile controversies involving presidential records.
William "Jay" Bosanko: A Career Dedicated to Preserving History
William "Jay" Bosanko, who has served at NARA since 1993, is stepping down from his role as deputy archivist, a position he has held since December 2023. His retirement comes at a pivotal moment for the agency, which has been a focal point in the ongoing debate over the handling of presidential records. Bosanko, who also served as the chief operating officer during the FBI’s search of Mar-a-Lago in August 2022, has been a key figure in the agency’s efforts to ensure the proper transfer and preservation of presidential documents.
The FBI’s search of Mar-a-Lago was part of an investigation into whether classified material had been improperly removed from the White House at the end of Trump’s first term. The agency had been seeking the return of these records, which are legally required to be transferred to NARA under the Presidential Records Act. This legal framework ensures that presidential records are preserved for historical and governmental purposes, allowing future generations to understand the decisions and actions of past administrations.
Bosanko has been a vocal advocate for the importance of these records, emphasizing their significance in understanding the presidency and the decisions made during that time. In a September 2023 interview with "60 Minutes," he highlighted the critical role that records play in shaping our understanding of history. "When an individual controls the records, they control the story," he said. "They control what the American people can know or not know about their presidency."
Bosanko also reflected on the potential consequences of incomplete or missing records, stating, "That strikes at the very heart of the historical record, the completeness of it, the ability to understand decisions." He underscored the importance of these records not just for historians but for the American people, who deserve a full and accurate understanding of the decision-making processes that shape the nation.
The Legal Saga Surrounding Trump’s Records
The controversy over Trump’s records has been a long and contentious one. In June 2023, Trump was federally indicted in connection with the case involving the classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago. However, after a protracted legal battle, the charges were formally dismissed earlier this week. Despite the dismissal, the case has had a lasting impact on the public’s perception of Trump’s handling of sensitive materials and has raised broader questions about how presidential records are managed.
Trump has been openly critical of NARA since the case was brought, accusing the agency of overreach and bias. His criticism has been part of a broader narrative in which he has sought to portray himself as a victim of what he claims is a politically motivated "witch hunt." However, the dismissal of the charges does not necessarily resolve the underlying issues related to the handling of presidential records, and the case continues to be a subject of discussion and debate.
The Case of Classified Documents at Biden’s Residence
Bosanko’s tenure also coincided with another high-profile case involving classified documents, this time at the Delaware home of then-President Joe Biden, as well as at the Penn Biden Center. In January 2023, it was revealed that classified documents had been found at these locations, prompting an investigation by the Justice Department. However, no criminal charges were brought in that case, a fact that has been seized upon by Trump’s allies to argue that there has been a double standard in how the two cases have been handled.
Bosanko played a key role in both cases, overseeing the day-to-day operations of NARA as the agency worked to ensure compliance with federal records laws. His retirement comes at a time when the agency is being called upon to navigate an increasingly complex and politicized landscape, where the handling of presidential records has become a flashpoint in broader debates about transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
The Implications of Leadership Changes at NARA
The recent leadership changes at NARA have significant implications for the agency’s future. The dismissal of Colleen Shogan and the retirement of Jay Bosanko leave a power vacuum at the top of the agency, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio now serving as the acting head of NARA. Bosanko, as the deputy archivist, would have been in line to serve as the acting head of the agency, but his retirement has altered that trajectory.
The White House’s decision to replace Shogan with Rubio has raised eyebrows, given that Rubio is not directly associated with the agency or its mission. The appointment of a high-profile political figure like Rubio as the acting head of NARA has led to speculation about the motivations behind the move and the potential impact on the agency’s independence and credibility. Critics have expressed concerns that the appointment could lead to increased political interference in the agency’s work, undermining its role as a neutral custodian of historical records.
Moreover, Bosanko’s retirement marks the end of an era at NARA, where he has been a steady presence for over three decades. His dedication to the agency’s mission and his commitment to preserving the integrity of the historical record have been widely respected, both within and outside the agency. His departure will undoubtedly be felt, as the agency navigates a period of significant change and challenges.
The Broader Significance of Presidential Records
At the heart of the recent controversies involving NARA is a fundamental question about the importance of presidential records and the role of the agency in preserving them. Presidential records are not just dusty historical artifacts; they are vital documents that provide insight into the decisions and actions of the nation’s leaders. They are a key part of the historical record, allowing future generations to understand the context and reasoning behind significant events.
When these records are not properly transferred to NARA, as was the case with both Trump and Biden, it raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the historical record. The handling of classified documents, in particular, involves national security considerations that require careful management and oversight. The recent cases involving Trump and Biden have highlighted the challenges of ensuring compliance with federal records laws and the potential consequences of failing to do so.
In his interview with "60 Minutes," Bosanko emphasized the importance of these records in understanding the presidency and the decisions that shape the nation. "The ability to understand decisions, and so it’s important for historians, and ultimately the American people to understand all of the pieces that came in and made up that decision making," he said. His words underscore the critical role that NARA plays in preserving the historical record and ensuring that the American people have access to the information they need to hold their leaders accountable.
Moving Forward: The Challenges Ahead for NARA
As NARA moves forward in the wake of these leadership changes, the agency will face a number of challenges. The politicization of the handling of presidential records has created a fraught environment, where the agency’s impartiality and independence are under scrutiny. The appointment of Marco Rubio as the acting head of NARA has added to the perception that the agency is being drawn into the political fray, a development that could have long-term consequences for its credibility and effectiveness.
Moreover, the agency will need to navigate the complexities of ensuring compliance with federal records laws in an era where the lines between personal and official records have become increasingly blurred. The recent cases involving Trump and Biden have highlighted the challenges of managing presidential records in the digital age, where the volume and complexity of records have grown exponentially. Ensuring that these records are properly preserved and made available to the public will require a significant effort and resources.
Bosanko’s retirement also underscores the need for succession planning and the development of the next generation of leaders within NARA. His decades of service and deep understanding of the agency’s mission will be difficult to replace, and the agency will need to ensure that it has the expertise and experience necessary to navigate the challenges ahead.
In conclusion, the recent leadership changes at NARA represent a significant shift in the agency’s trajectory at a time when the importance of presidential records has never been more clear. The challenges ahead will require a commitment to transparency, accountability, and the preservation of the historical record, principles that have guided NARA since its inception. As the agency moves forward, it will need to remain focused on its core mission, even as it navigates a increasingly complex and politicized landscape.
