Did Trump Loyalists Force Out the National Constitution Center Director?

Artnet News

by Sarah Cascone

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The sudden resignation of Jeffrey Rosen, director of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, has sparked speculation about political interference from President Donald Trump. Rosen, a prominent legal scholar, stepped down after over 12 years, leaving amid preparations for the America 250 celebrations, which mark the U.S. founding's 250th anniversary. Some board members allege that Trump sought to influence the institution, aligning it with his cultural vision and potentially reshaping its mission. The National Constitution Center, a nonpartisan museum established in 1988, has faced internal turmoil. Board chairmen Doug DeVos and Mike George hired an external lawyer to review leadership, citing a "leadership crisis." However, former board member J. Michael Luttig, a conservative critic of Trump, accused the chairmen of using the review as a pretext to oust Rosen, claiming it was all about Trump's agenda for the 250th anniversary celebrations. This comes after Trump's efforts to exert control over other cultural institutions, such as the Smithsonian and the Kennedy Center. Rosen's resignation process was contentious. He tendered his resignation but hoped the board would reject it. Board member Luttig rallied support for Rosen, even threatening his own resignation and legal action if Rosen was forced out. During a virtual meeting, George reportedly blocked Rosen from presenting his case to the board, leading to an abrupt acceptance of his resignation. The situation highlights broader concerns about political influence on cultural institutions. The National Constitution Center's independence is now in question, raising issues about whether Trump's administration is using its power to shape cultural narratives. This matters for readers interested in art and culture because it underscores how political dynamics can impact the integrity and mission of cultural institutions, potentially silencing diverse perspectives. The resignation also reflects ongoing "culture wars" in the U.S., where political divides influence even nonpartisan organizations. As Trump continues

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Originally published on Artnet News on 2/19/2026