Trump Fires Doug Emhoff, Reveals It's Not Because He's Married to Kamala Harris - It's Just Bad Business

In a decisive shift aimed at reinforcing U.S.-Israel relations, President Donald Trump has removed Doug Emhoff, husband of former Vice President Kamala Harris, from his position on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council.

As reported by the New York Post, Emhoff was among several individuals dismissed on Tuesday, part of a broader overhaul by the Trump administration.

This move is part of an intentional strategy to reconstitute the council with figures who, beyond recognizing the Holocaust’s historical weight, also appreciate its contemporary relevance to the state of Israel.

According to Axios, Trump’s White House is seeking individuals who are “steadfast supporters of the State of Israel” for council appointments.

The decision reflects the administration’s ongoing campaign to confront anti-Semitism—something the council has actively engaged in. By aligning the council with pro-Israel values, Trump is making it unmistakably clear that combating anti-Semitism remains a top priority.

Not everyone agrees with the approach. Emhoff responded with criticism on X (formerly Twitter), accusing the administration of exploiting Holocaust remembrance for political ends.

“Let me be clear: Holocaust remembrance and education should never be politicized,” he stated, further arguing that using such a tragedy as a “wedge issue” dishonors the six million Jewish victims of the Nazi regime.

While Emhoff’s sentiment may appear principled, critics point to troubling connections within his own family. His stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff—daughter of Kamala Harris—reportedly helped promote an $8 million fundraising initiative for Gaza in November 2023.

That timing is notable—coming just weeks after the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks.

Given that context, some argue that removing individuals with such associations from the council is simply responsible governance.

The contradiction is difficult to ignore. Critics ask: how can Emhoff accuse Trump of politicizing Holocaust remembrance when someone in his immediate family is financially boosting a region ruled by Hamas—a group widely recognized as a terrorist organization?

This perceived “hypocrisy” has drawn significant backlash.

Detractors claim Ella Emhoff’s activism undercuts Israel’s security and that her involvement itself is a politicization of tragedy. Regardless of how carefully Emhoff crafts his social media statements, observers argue this "inconvenient truth" about his family's activities casts a long shadow.

Other Biden-era figures were also let go, including Ron Klain, President Biden’s former chief of staff, and Susan Rice, national security adviser under Barack Obama, according to the Post.

The dismissals were described as abrupt and “rightfully unceremonious.”

Emhoff received formal notification via email from the White House Presidential Personnel Office: “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as a member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council is terminated, effective immediately.”

The removal comes during a particularly tumultuous period for Emhoff personally. Rumors have swirled about marital strain between him and Harris, with sources claiming she partly blames him for her defeat in the 2024 presidential election.

Despite appearing together at Trump’s January 2025 inauguration, their somber expressions reportedly hinted at deeper discord. As Harris contemplates a 2026 gubernatorial campaign or a potential 2028 presidential run, some believe she now views Emhoff as a liability.

The Holocaust Memorial Council’s stated purpose is to safeguard the memory of the Holocaust and educate future generations. Trump’s reshuffling is seen by his supporters as a necessary step to ensure that mission is upheld by individuals free of anti-Israel associations.

To them, it’s “really not that complicated”—despite Emhoff’s efforts to frame it otherwise.