History As It Happens – Episode: DOGE and the Books (Bonus Episode)
Host: Martin Di Caro
Guest: Michael Kimmage
Release Date: June 29, 2025
1. Introduction and Context
In this bonus episode of History As It Happens, host Martin Di Caro delves into the startling dismantling of the Wilson Center, a cornerstone institution for historical scholarship in Washington, D.C. The episode features an exclusive interview with historian Michael Kimmage, whose insightful perspectives shed light on the broader implications of this unprecedented move by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.
Key Points:
- Wilson Center's Demise: Under Elon Musk's directive, the Wilson Center faced a rapid and unceremonious shutdown.
- Impact on Scholarship: The closure threatens the preservation of 30,000 books and extensive journal collections essential for understanding U.S. foreign policy and historical relations, particularly concerning Russia and Ukraine.
2. Michael Kimmage’s Background and the Wilson Center
Michael Kimmage, a seasoned historian specializing in U.S.-Russia relations and the Cold War, provides a comprehensive overview of his tenure at the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute. His insights highlight the institute's crucial role in bridging scholarly research and government policy.
Notable Quotes:
- Kimmage on Kennan Institute’s Legacy [04:18]: "The Kennan Institute... has an illustrious history, a sort of direct connection to the figure of George Kennan... the preeminent strategic thinker concerning the Soviet Union."
- On the Institute’s Function [06:07]: "Institutions like the Wilson center... were meant to gather knowledge, information, ideas about the outside world... and become a constructive part of the policy formation process."
3. The Overhaul by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency
The conversation shifts to the abrupt termination of Wilson Center staff and the swift reduction of its operations. Kimmage describes the chaos and indifference that accompanied the shutdown, emphasizing the lack of transparency and consideration for both employees and scholarly resources.
Notable Quotes:
- Firing Process [08:17]: "Most of those people, including myself, were fired pretty unceremoniously... terminated at 10 in the morning and given until 5pm to leave the building."
- On Indifference as Motivation [11:14]: "The motivation of these vandals... was indifference. When you don't care, you're capable of a lot of things."
4. The Fate of the Wilson Center’s Library
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the preservation—or lack thereof—of the Wilson Center’s extensive library. Kimmage details the precarious situation faced by the 30,000-book collection, including rare and valuable texts related to Russian literature and the Soviet Union.
Notable Quotes:
- On the Library’s Condition [11:47]: "There was nobody appointed to take care of these books. No plan was put forward... They truly did not care one way or another."
- Kennan's Papers Safety [14:07]: "Kennan's papers... are divided between the New York Public Library and Princeton University... all the books are in safety at this point."
5. Broader Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy and Scholarship
Kimmage connects the dismantling of the Wilson Center to the broader context of U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration. He critiques the administration's reliance on personal charisma over expert consultation, highlighting the erosion of established scholarly institutions.
Notable Quotes:
- On Presidential Style [17:09]: "The President's style is very much a shoot from the hip style... decision-making power concentrated to an unusual degree in the hands of the president."
- On the Role of the Wilson Center [20:00]: "If the White House doesn't want to engage in long conversations, process consultation with experts... it's legitimate to ask really big questions about why you need a place like the Wilson Center."
6. Reflections on Preservation and Future Generations
In concluding the episode, Kimmage emphasizes the enduring value of preserving historical knowledge. He underscores the responsibility of current generations to safeguard these resources for future scholarship and informed policymaking.
Notable Quotes:
- On the Importance of Books [25:13]: "Books... separate out the ephemeral events from the big transitions and changes. They'll help us figure out what this moment means and its consequences."
- On American Democracy [24:46]: "It's a story that we need to tell about American democracy... what matters in the coming years is what we do and how we serve as caretakers of these different patrimonies."
7. Conclusion
Martin Di Caro wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of historical institutions like the Wilson Center. The discussion serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of scholarly endeavors in the face of political indifference and the critical need for vigilance in preserving America's intellectual heritage.
Key Takeaways:
- The abrupt closure of the Wilson Center reflects a troubling disregard for historical scholarship and expert consultation in U.S. governance.
- Preservation of historical resources is essential for informed policy-making and the maintenance of democratic values.
- The episode calls for active engagement in safeguarding institutional legacies to ensure that future generations have access to vital historical knowledge.
For Further Engagement:
- Subscribe: Stay informed with new episodes released every Tuesday and Friday.
- Newsletter: Sign up at historyasithappens.com or on Substack.
- Social Media: Follow on Facebook for updates and discussions.
This episode of History As It Happens offers a compelling examination of the intersection between political decisions and historical preservation, emphasizing the enduring importance of institutions dedicated to understanding and interpreting the past.