The director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library has left his post after opposing a plan to give a sword from the collection to King Charles III as a gift during President Donald Trump's recent state visit, US media reported on Thursday.
Todd Arrington said he was told to “resign or be fired” on Monday, according to CBS News. The library, part of the National Archives and Records Administration (Nara), is located in Dwight D Eisenhower's hometown of Abilene, Kansas.
Arrington resisted an administration request to give one of Eisenhower's swords to the King, intended to symbolise US-UK relations and their Second World War collaboration. Eisenhower was Supreme Allied Commander before becoming president in 1953.
Ultimately, the Trump administration gave Charles a replica sword donated by West Point, where Eisenhower began his military career. The New York Times reported that Arrington's ouster may also relate to plans for a new education centre at the library.
Arrington told the Daily Mail he was trying to get his job back, saying he was “devastated” and willing to do whatever it takes to reverse the decision. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Arrington's departure comes as Trump asserts control over cultural institutions since returning to office.
