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The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum abruptly closed indefinitely on Tuesday afternoon, following an executive order that triggered a new round of federal layoffs. But the library reopened Wednesday morning — without reinstating fired workers.
The closure came after the Trump Administration fired five employees who were crucial to the Boston library’s operation. Staff escorted visitors out of the library on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the planned 2 p.m. closure.
“Due to an Executive Order concerning a ‘reduction in force (RIF),’ the JFK Library and Museum will be closed to the public until further notice,” a sign posted on the library’s front door read.
Following immediate outrage and concern from elected officials and members of the Kennedy family, the National Archives — which runs the facility — reversed its decision. The museum reopened at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning. But as of the reopening, the fired workers were not reinstated.
“It was a sudden loss of staff,” said Alan Price — the head of the library — in an interview with WHDH. “They were mostly frontline facing, and so until we could figure out a staffing solution to make sure all ticketing systems were covered, we had to make some adjustments.”
As the museum adjusts to the staffing cuts, the facility is currently offering free admission to visitors. Entrance fees at the library were previously $18 for adults and $6 for college students.
While the JFK Library has resumed its operations, it remains unclear how the staffing changes brought on by Trump’s slashing of the federal workforce will affect its long-term future.
A spokesperson for the JFK library and the National Archives did not respond to a request for comment on the temporary closure.
The JFK Library and Museum, which is dedicated to the history and legacy of former President John F. Kennedy ‘40, attracts more than 175,000 visitors annually.
Fredrik Logevall, a professor at the Harvard Kennedy School, wrote in a statement that the library is a “jewel of the United States.”
“Historians depend on these materials for their work,” Logevall wrote. “It’s critically important that the libraries — and the museums attached to them — be open and fully staffed.”
The attempt to close the library of one of Massachusetts and Democrats’ most storied presidents was met with immediate opposition from the state’s elected officials.
Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey ’92 wrote in a statement that the closure was caused by the “thoughtless crusade” of Trump and Elon Musk, lambasting the move that “caused an iconic institution and economic driver to close in Massachusetts.”
“I’m relieved that the library is reopening today to continue educating visitors and contributing to our economy,” she added, “but President Trump and DOGE should reverse course on these firings.”
Sen. Elizabeth A. Warren (D-Mass.) took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday evening to criticize the Trump administration's attempt to cut costs by closing the library.
“Trump’s shutdown of the JFK Library won’t lower egg prices or make housing more affordable, but it’s part of a retribution tour designed to distract from his agenda to enrich the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of everyone else,” she wrote.
Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) also condemned the action, claiming the decision to close a presidential library “degrades the very office of the President.”
“The day after President’s Day, Trump’s DOGE has arbitrarily fired staff at the JFK Presidential Library, forcing it to close its doors,” Markey wrote on X. “Shutting down this vital place of learning, engagement, and revenue creation, if even for a day isn’t just wrong — it degrades the very office of the President.”
—Staff writer Megan L. Blonigen can be reached at megan.blonigen@thecrimson.com. Follow her on X at @MeganBlonigen.
—Staff writer Frances Y. Yong can be reached at frances.yong@thecrimson.com. Follow her on X at @frances_yong_.
