Trump Removes First Native American Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities

# Shelly C. Lowe Steps Down as NEH Chair: What This Means for the Humanities

The chair of the **National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)**, Shelly C. Lowe, has stepped down from her role following a directive from former President **Donald Trump’s administration**, according to an NEH spokesperson. Lowe, a **citizen of the Navajo Nation**, was the first Native American and **only the second woman** to lead the agency, marking a significant moment in the organization’s history. Her departure comes amid broader changes in federally funded arts and cultural institutions under Trump’s leadership.

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## **Who is Shelly C. Lowe?**
Shelly C. Lowe was nominated as **NEH Chair in 2021 by then-President Joe Biden** and was confirmed by the Senate in 2022. Prior to her leadership role at the NEH, Lowe was:
– A **trustee** for the National Museum of the American Indian.
– The **director** of the Native American Cultural Center at **Yale University**.
– The **executive director** of **Harvard University’s Native American Program**.
– A **member** of the National Council on the Humanities, appointed by **former President Barack Obama** in 2015.

Lowe prioritized **funding for smaller and tribal organizations**, aiming to make humanities resources more accessible to underserved communities.

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## **Why Did She Step Down?**
Lowe’s departure was first reported by **The New York Times**, revealing that her removal was directed by the Trump administration. The decision aligns with Trump’s larger plan to reshape federally funded arts institutions, which he claims will bring about a **“golden age of arts and culture.”**

During her tenure, Lowe focused on **expanding NEH grants** to **museums, libraries, nonprofits, and academic research programs**. She strongly advocated for **smaller institutions**, including **tribal colleges and community colleges**, to receive more funding.

Her removal signals a potential shift away from those priorities under new leadership.

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## **Who Is Replacing Her?**
Michael McDonald, a former **agency lawyer**, has **assumed the role temporarily** until a new **NEH chair is nominated and confirmed by the Senate**.

This transition occurs as **the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)** undergoes similar changes. **Maria Rosario Jackson**, chair of the NEA, stepped down in **January 2025**, also ahead of Trump’s return to office.

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## **What This Means for the NEH and the Arts**
The Trump administration’s **reshaping of the arts world** includes:
– **Eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs** in federally funded museums.
– Restricting **National Endowment for the Arts grants** for projects that affirm **LGBTQ+ and nonbinary identities**.
– **Cuts to the General Services Administration**, which could put thousands of federally owned artworks at risk.

Trump **has also taken over as chair of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts**, prompting backlash from the arts community and **show cancellations**.

These moves have drawn criticism from **advocacy groups, artists, and scholars**, with lawsuits emerging over funding restrictions imposed on marginalized communities.

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## **Lowe’s Vision and Legacy**
Despite her forced removal, Lowe’s leadership left an impact on the NEH. Speaking to **Southwest Contemporary** in 2022, she asked:
_“Why don’t we fund these smaller places?”_

Her vision was to **increase accessibility** for **rural, minority, and underrepresented institutions**, ensuring that the humanities benefitted **a wider audience** beyond just large, well-established organizations.

Her removal raises concerns about whether these priorities will continue under a new chair.

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## **What’s Next for the NEH?**
– **New Leadership Pending:** Trump will nominate a new **NEH Chair**, likely shifting its direction.
– **More Restrictions Possible:** With tighter control over **grant funding**, projects supporting **diverse voices** may face challenges.
– **Legal Battles Expected:** The **ACLU has already sued the NEA** for enforcing Trump’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies, and similar lawsuits could target changes at the NEH.

For now, many in the arts and humanities sectors are waiting to see how federal support for their work will be affected.

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## **Final Thoughts**
Shelly C. Lowe’s tenure at the **National Endowment for the Humanities** marked efforts toward **equity and inclusion**, particularly for **Native American and smaller institutions**. Her unexpected departure underscores the broader political struggle over the **direction of arts and cultural policies** in the U.S.

With Trump’s administration reshaping funding and leadership within the **NEH, NEA, and other federal arts organizations**, many fear a significant shift away from inclusive, community-based arts support.

It remains to be