Overview
- Todd Arrington says he was told to resign or be fired last week after handling a gift request related to President Trump's September state visit to the United Kingdom.
- He recounts a July call from a State Department official seeking an Eisenhower-related gift and says he refused to release original swords because they are federal property.
- Arrington referred officials to West Point, which arranged a replica sabre that was presented to King Charles III on September 17, with Buckingham Palace describing the replica as symbolic.
- He says he received thanks from superiors after the presentation and reports no indication that the president or first lady had any dispute with his approach.
- The National Archives, which removed Arrington, has provided little public explanation during a partial government shutdown following earlier leadership turnover, leaving the rationale for his ouster unclear.