Overview

• The White House emailed dismissals to most of the 26 council members, with notices signed by Presidential Personnel Office staffer Mary Sprowls.
• The NEH website now lists only four remaining members — Russell A. Berman, Keegan F. Callanan, William English and Matthew Rose — all appointed by President Trump.
• A White House spokesperson said the president intends to install members who align more closely with his vision for the board.
• The council cannot meet without a 14-member quorum, and any replacements must be confirmed by the Senate, complicating near-term governance as a shutdown pauses agency activity.
• The removals extend a broader overhaul that has included staff and grant cuts, court injunctions against canceled funding, and reports from terminated members that no people of color or women remain on the council.