Trump selects prior "Real Housewives" star for post on the Holocaust Memorial Council
In a recent move, President Donald Trump has announced five new members to the US Holocaust Memorial Council, including a former cast member of the reality television program "The Real Housewives of New Jersey." Among the newly appointed members is Siggy Flicker, known for her two-season stint on the "Real Housewives" franchise, whose stepson, Tyler Campanella, was charged in connection with the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Trump's other appointments include Tila Falic, Rabbi Nate Segal, Lee Lipton, and Jackie Zeckman. New York financial executive Jonathan Burkan was also reappointed to the board, having been first appointed during Trump's initial term.
The five appointments follow eight others made by Trump last week, which replaced members previously named by President Joe Biden. These earlier appointees were subsequently dismissed on April 29. The new board members are known for their support of Israel, as confirmed by Trump in a post on Truth Social, stating, "They are all strong supporters of Israel, and will ensure we, NEVER FORGET."
Flicker, whose Instagram bio includes "#1 Trump Supporter" and whose profile photo shows her standing next to the president and holding an Israeli flag, expressed her gratitude for the appointment in an Instagram post on May 8, citing her role as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor.
In April 2021, Flicker's stepson, Tyler Campanella, was arrested and charged with five misdemeanors in connection with the riot at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The FBI's indictment of Campanella references an Instagram post from Flicker's account showing an image of her stepson inside the US Capitol that day with the caption, "I love patriots so much. Stay safe Tyler. We love you." The indictment also mentions the inclusion of the hashtag StopTheSteal.
This round of appointments has sparked concerns from some supporters of the museum, given the abrupt ouster and replacement of Biden appointees before their terms expired—a move that, according to previous practice, no president had exercised regarding the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. However, the reason for the dismissal remains unspecified.
- The gallery of the US Holocaust Memorial Council now includes reality TV personality Siggy Flicker, who was appointed by President Donald Trump.
- In a statement, Trump affirmed that the new board members, including Flicker, are ardent supporters of Israel's art and policy-and-legislation.
- The entertainment world and general news have been buzzing about the biennale of controversial appointments by Trump, particularly the inclusion of Flicker, known for her reality TV stint and political affiliations.
- The art community and politicians are scrutinizing the recent appointments, with concerns raised about the dismissal of the previous members before their terms expired, creating a questionable path in the politics of museum appointments.
- As the new members assume their roles, the fate of the museum's exhibitions and art remains uncertain, given the association of some members with divisive issues, including the Capitol riot.
