Turmoil at the National Constitution Center: CEO Jeffrey Rosen Steps Down Amidst Leadership Disputes

Philadelphia, PA – The National Constitution Center (NCC), the nation’s first and only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution, is facing internal turmoil following the unexpected departure of its President and CEO, Jeffrey Rosen. After 12 years of leadership, Rosen stepped down last month, with Vince Stango assuming the role of interim President and CEO .

A Legacy of Non-Partisanship

Rosen, 61, is a legal scholar and author who shaped the NCC’s scholarly output, public programming, and global profile. He was instrumental in preparing the center for the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence in July 2026, personally overseeing much of the educational content . He is now CEO Emeritus of the NCC .

Throughout his tenure, Rosen was widely praised for his commitment to non-partisanship, a crucial attribute for an institution dedicated to the Constitution . He is also a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and a contributing editor of The Atlantic . Rosen’s recent book, Pursuit of Liberty: How Hamilton vs. Jefferson Ignited the Lasting Battle over Power in America, was published in October 2025 . He is also the author of The Pursuit of Happiness and Conversations with RBG .

Disputed Departure

The circumstances surrounding Rosen’s departure are contested. Some within the NCC felt it was simply time for a change in leadership, suggesting Rosen’s strengths lay in intellectual pursuits rather than organizational management . However, retired federal appeals court judge J. Michael Luttig alleges a more politically motivated ousting orchestrated by former board chairmen Doug DeVos and Mike George .

Luttig claims the chairmen’s actions were linked to Donald Trump and the celebration of the 250th anniversary, aiming to influence the NCC’s direction . However, there is no firm evidence to support this claim, and multiple sources have dismissed the suggestion .

Internal Investigation and Board Concerns

Prior to Rosen’s departure, DeVos and George commissioned an external employment lawyer to interview staff regarding workplace issues and organizational leadership . A Zoom meeting of the board’s executive committee in December reportedly saw the chairmen assert a “leadership crisis,” a claim disputed by some board members .

Luttig alleges that board members were not fully informed about the issues leading to Rosen’s resignation and that the vote to accept it was rushed and occurred over objections from both the board and Rosen himself, who reportedly did not want to resign .

Financial Stability and Future Outlook

Despite the internal disputes, Vince Stango, the interim President and CEO, asserts the NCC is in a strong financial position, having ended its 2024-2025 fiscal year with positive results . Stango, who has been with the NCC since 1999, praised Rosen for elevating the center’s national voice and establishing a clear purpose for civic dialogue .

The NCC faces a critical period as it prepares for the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, a time when the nation’s attention will be focused on its founding principles .