Jeffrey Rosen has resigned as director of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia after 12 years, sparking allegations of political interference. While the board cited a leadership crisis following an external review of workplace conditions, board member and former judge J. Michael Luttig claims the ouster was a politically motivated "regime change" orchestrated to align the institution with President Trump’s vision for the upcoming America 250 celebrations.
The turmoil reflects broader tensions within U.S. cultural institutions as the federal government exerts increasing pressure on programming and leadership. With the National Constitution Center serving as a nonpartisan hub for constitutional education, the abrupt departure of a renowned legal scholar like Rosen—and the subsequent removal of dissenting board members—raises significant concerns about institutional independence and the politicization of American historical narratives.