The sudden closure of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library drew strong reactions from state leaders.
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston abruptly closed temporarily on Tuesday, with no reason given, causing confusion and consternation over the local landmark.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and one of Kennedy's grandchildren ripped the move, which they linked to widespread cuts to the federal government.
An employee leaving the library said that five probationary employees, most based in the museum portion of the facility, were fired, though that has not been confirmed by officials with the library or the National Archives, which runs the nation's presidential libraries. However, the JFK Library Foundation, the nonprofit that supports the institution, directly linked the closure to employees being terminated.
"The sudden dismissal of federal employees at the JFK Library forced the museum to close today. As the Foundation that supports the JFK Library, we are devastated by this news and will continue to support our colleagues and the Library.
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Asked for comment about the closure, a representative for the National Archives said in a statement that the facility would be open Wednesday — the library's website noted Tuesday night that it would be open on Wednesday, Feb. 19, despite being closed on other Wednesdays in January and February.
"The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum will be open tomorrow, and the National Archives staff looks forward to welcoming guests, visitors, and researchers," the statement said. It didn't share why the facility closed.
A message was posted to the library's social media and on a banner atop the library's website Tuesday reading, "The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is temporarily closed until further notice."
A sign at the facility Tuesday read, "Due to the executive order, the JFK Library will be closed until further notice." It wasn't immediately clear what executive order the sign was referring to, or who posted it.
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The library later confirmed it would reopen Wednesday.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu told NBC10 Boston her office was working on learning more, while Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey issued a blistering statement blaming the president and Elon Musk, who has been in charge of the new Department of Government Efficiency effort.
"Donald Trump and Elon Musk's thoughtless crusade has caused an iconic institution and economic driver to close in Massachusetts. The JFK Library plays an essential role in our state and nation's history, our travel and tourism sector, and our economy. We hope that this closure will be temporary and urge President Trump and DOGE to reverse course so that the library can reopen to continue educating visitors and contributing to our economy," Healey's statement said.
In a statement, Sen. Elizabeth Warren tied the JFK Library staffer terminations to others happening across the government: "President Trump is firing American workers who monitor bird flu outbreaks, safeguard nuclear facilities, and now those who promote American history in Dorchester – all to help pay for tax breaks for billionaires and giant corporations. Trump’s shutdown of the JFK Library won’t lower egg prices or make housing more affordable, but it’s part of a retribution tour designed to distract from his agenda to enrich the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of everyone else."
People trying to visit the library were being turned away Tuesday afternoon.
"That was a bit of a surprise for us," said a woman visiting from London who was turned away by a security guard. She called the development "a bit of a shock."
Journalist Jack Schlossberg, a grandson of Kennedy's, said on social media that the closure was connected to Trump's order for all federal agencies to let go probationary staff members — ones who have been in their role for one or two years and whose civil service protections haven't kicked in.
Schlossberg said he'd worked with the library's "staff for decades and they are truly amazing."
The nine-story I.M. Pei-designed tower on the shore of Boston Harbor has been an iconic part of the Boston skyline since it opened in 1979. It hosts major events, including the presentation of the Profiles in Courage awards.
In 2022, then-President Joe Biden announced there that he was reigniting his "cancer moonshot," an attempt to end the disease.
