Trump Fires Members of Humanities Council

The White House has dismissed members of the National Council on the Humanities, a group of scholars who advise the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The council, which typically serves four-year terms, provides guidance and recommendations to the NEH on grant-making and other initiatives. The decision to terminate the council members' positions comes as the Trump administration has proposed significantly cutting funding for the NEH and other cultural agencies. This move is seen by some as a continuation of the administration's efforts to reduce the federal government's role in supporting the arts and humanities. The dismissal of the council members has raised concerns among those who value the role of the humanities in public life and education. Critics argue that the decision undermines the independence and credibility of the NEH, which has traditionally enjoyed bipartisan support.