Head of Eisenhower library resigns; Trump Administration wanted to give Ike sword in the collection (which belongs to We The People) to King Charles

Todd Arrington, the director of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas, resigned under pressure this week following a dispute with the Trump administration over the potential gifting of a historic sword to King Charles III during President Trump’s recent state visit to the United Kingdom.

Arrington, a seasoned historian with prior roles at the National Park Service and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), had been with the Eisenhower Library since August 2024. He was informed on Monday that he could either resign or face termination. In an interview with CBS News, Arrington stated that he was told, “Resign — or be fired,” and was subsequently accused of leaking confidential information related to the sword and an unrelated matter. He denied these allegations, asserting that he had not disparaged the administration and had only discussed the sword with colleagues in an effort to find an alternative gift.

The controversy began when the Trump administration requested an original sword from the Eisenhower Library’s collection to present to King Charles III. Arrington opposed this, citing the artifact’s status as public property and its significance to the American people. He offered to assist in finding a suitable replica, which ultimately led to West Point providing a Cadet Saber as a gift. Buckingham Palace later confirmed that a replica was presented, symbolizing the historical partnership between the U.S. and the U.K. during World War II.

While some administration officials were reportedly dissatisfied with Arrington’s resistance, four U.S. officials involved in the state visit were unaware of his departure and stated that the White House played no role in his exit. Arrington has since expressed a desire to be reinstated, stating he is willing to apologize and do whatever it takes to return to his position. He also mentioned that another factor in his removal may be related to the construction of a new building for the nonprofit Eisenhower Foundation on the library’s grounds.

Arrington, who is approaching retirement eligibility, expressed his love for the job, the people, and the history, stating, “If there’s any way for it to happen, I’d return to this job in a heartbeat.”

Source: CBS NEWS