JFK Library in Boston abruptly closes due to Trump executive order
The JFK Library in Boston abruptly closed on Tuesday afternoon after the "sudden dismissal" of workers due to an executive order by President Trump, the JFK Library Foundation said. The National Archives told CBS News the library will reopen on Wednesday.
Update: The JFK Library in Boston reopened to visitors at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
The library closed at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and members of the public who were inside had to be escorted out and the doors were locked. Visitors told WBZ-TV's Brandon Truitt the staff appeared to be in shock.
Why is the JFK Library closed?
"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 door of the library said.
Library visitor Jen Schaeffer said the signs were posted just an hour after she got her tickets online. "We were able to purchase tickets prior to going there," Schaeffer said. "So we were kind of confused."
Former Congressman Joe Kennedy III, President Kennedy's grand nephew, said the library got a call from the National Archives Tuesday morning, informing them all probationary employees were being laid off effective immediately.
"Everybody was surprised, perplexed and searching for answers at this point," Kennedy said. The employees have all worked at the library less than a year.
"The sudden dismissal of federal employees at the JFK Library forced the museum to close today," the JFK Library Foundation said. "As the Foundation that supports the JFK Library, we are devastated by this news and will continue to support our colleagues and the Library."
When will the JFK Library reopen?
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, the National Archives Public and Media Communications staff told CBS News the library will be open on Wednesday.
"The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum will be open tomorrow, and the National Archives staff looks forward to welcoming guests, visitors, and researchers," the statement said.
Joe Kennedy III on JFK Library closure
Joe Kennedy III said about a half dozen positions were impacted, all of which are critical to daily operations.
"I would like to think that it was not a deliberate target at the Kennedy Library, but I think what we've seen is that there is not exactly a whole lot of thought given to what are the consequences of these actions," Kennedy said in an interview with WBZ-TV's Jon Keller.
"So, the idea that somehow targeting libraries is going to be the right way to balance the budget or address efficiencies across government," Kennedy said. "Folks when we start shutting down libraries in the name of government efficiency, we have got a problem."
"Thoughtless crusade"
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said the JFK Library plays an essential role in history and the local economy.
"Donald Trump and Elon Musk's thoughtless crusade has caused an iconic institution and economic driver to close in Massachusetts," Governor Healey said. "We hope that this closure will be temporary and urge President Trump and DOGE to reverse course so that the library can reopen to continue educating visitors and contributing to our economy."
Sen. Elizabeth Warren said the sudden shutdown of the JFK Library is "part of a retribution tour."
"President Trump is firing American workers who monitor bird flu outbreaks, safeguard nuclear facilities, and now those who promote American history in Dorchester - all to help pay for tax breaks for billionaires and giant corporations," Warren said. "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."
President Donald Trump last week ordered government agencies to lay off nearly all probationary employees in a move that could affect hundreds of thousands of workers. The president has said that the federal workforce is "bloated" and filled with "people that are unnecessary."
Established in 1979, the JFK Library at Dorchester's Columbia Point is open seven days a week for most of the year. The library's website says it receives "an annual federal appropriation for building maintenance and a portion of its personnel costs" from Congress, but the majority of its budget is generated by admission fees and donations.
