Trump’s Gift of Eisenhower Sword to King Charles Sparks Official’s Resignation
The controversy surrounding the gift of an Eisenhower sword to King Charles has led to the resignation of a prominent official within the Eisenhower library. Steven Arrington, who had been serving as the director of the Eisenhower library since August 2024, cited concerns around trust and confidentiality as reasons for his departure. He claimed that the State Department felt unable to trust him with sensitive information linked to the sword dispute.
Details of the Sword Gift Controversy
Efforts to gift an Eisenhower sword aimed to symbolize the strong US-UK relationship following World War II. However, Arrington opposed the idea of presenting an item that was originally a donation. Sources indicate that he offered alternatives, including a replica of the sword, but these suggestions were not accepted by State Department officials.
Presidential Gift at Windsor Castle
In September, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump presented King Charles with a replica of one of Eisenhower’s swords during a ceremony at Windsor Castle. Additionally, they gifted Queen Elizabeth a vintage floral brooch from Tiffany & Co, made from 18-carat gold, diamonds, and rubies.
Arrington’s Position and Reactions
- Arrington expressed disappointment over the situation, stating he had never made negative remarks about President Trump or his administration.
- He mentioned in an interview, “That is 100% incorrect,” referring to any claims of disparagement.
- The Eisenhower library houses several historical artifacts, including multiple swords from the 34th president, who served from 1953 to 1961.
Administration’s Response
Despite Arrington’s attempts to clarify his position, dissatisfaction from Trump administration officials persisted. He insisted he merely sought to find an appropriate artifact to present to the king and had no intentions of disparaging anyone involved.
Official Role and Future
As director of the Eisenhower library, Arrington was a key figure overseeing one of 16 presidential libraries managed by the National Archives. The White House does not influence the hiring or firing of these directors, which is under the purview of the US archivist.
With his resignation, Arrington expressed a desire to return to his previous role, emphasizing his passion for the job, the people he worked with, and the historical significance of his position. “I’d return to this job in a heartbeat,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to preserving Eisenhower’s legacy and the historical narratives associated with it.
