The story illustrates the new balance of power with the Trump administration. Todd Arrington, director of the Dwight D. Eisenhower presidential library in Abilene (Kansas), was forced to resign on September 30, 2025 after refusing to give a historic sword of Eisenhower intended for King Charles III, reports the New York Times.
The controversial gift was part of the preparation of Donald Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom from September 16 to 18. A representative of the State Department (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), using the email address “Giftgirl2025”, had contacted the library to obtain a sword symbolizing the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, in reference to the Second World War.
The request focused on an authentic part belonging to the Eisenhower collection, which includes in particular the sword of honor offered by the city of London in 1947, that of the Netherlands decorated with gold and precious stones, engraved “Queen Wilhelmina to General Dd Eisenhower”as well as the general’s West point saber.
Todd Arrington refused to follow up on it, recalling that these objects, property of the American people, fall under the museum heritage and are subject to conservation obligations. “They asked for a sword and we said:” Well, we have swords, but we cannot give them because they are museum artefacts. ” »»he explained. He tried for two months to find an alternative. The West Point Military Academy finally provided a replica of Eisenhower sword, which was given by Donald Trump to Charles III, accompanied by a Tiffany – Vintage – Vintage – Bike for Queen Camilla.
On September 30, Arrington, however, received an ultimatum: “Resign or be dismissed”. The official justification evoked a loss of confidence linked to the “Disagreement on the sword” and another question not specified. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), which manage the museums and presidential libraries, have not provided additional details.
Divergent sources suggest that criticisms addressed to the Trump administration may have played a role, which Arrington firmly denies: “It is completely incorrect. I never said a derogatory word about anyone “. He expressed his stupor: “I was shocked, saddened and the heart broken. I have almost 30 years of government service and I have never had a bad note against me ”. Several US officials involved in the royal visit said they had not been informed of its resignation and have denied any intervention by the White House.
In theory, the presidency does not have authority on the appointment of the directors of presidential libraries, which falls under the archivist of the United States. The position is currently in the acting by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a close to Trump.
Historian by training, army veteran and doctor of history, Todd Arrington has run the Eisenhower library since August 2024, after more than twenty-five years of federal service, mainly within the National Park Service. The Presidential Library of Abilene, administered by the NARA since 1966, is part of a network of sixteen institutions similar to the United States.
