Trump Removes First Native American Chair of National Endowment for the Humanities

Shelly Lowe, appointed by Biden, was directed to step down as part of Trump's broader actions against federal diversity and cultural programs.

Shelly Lowe, the first Native American to chair the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), was removed from her position at the direction of President Trump.
Lowe, a Navajo Nation member, was appointed by President Biden in 2021 and confirmed by the Senate in 2022.
Trump replaced Lowe with NEH general counsel Michael McDonald as acting chair while a permanent replacement is sought.
The dismissal is part of Trump's broader efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies through executive orders.
The NEH, established in 1965, has awarded over $6 billion in grants to cultural and educational institutions and is now under scrutiny as Trump reshapes federal cultural and arts organizations.