Looks like NARA are underfunded [1] and trying to grapple with how to prioritize digital transformation while still meeting KTLO demands. They closed three facilities last year. [2] The goal was/is to digitize everything to increase access to the archives for everyone.

The current administration reduced NARA funding and, in February, dismissed Shogan as "Archivist of the United States" but it appears a plan for a strategic shift was underway before those changes.

1: https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/foia-audit/foia/2024-03-15/us-nati...

2: https://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2024/nr24-37