In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has terminated the employment of Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden as part of what many are perceiving as a broader effort to cleanse the federal government of officials who do not align with his political agenda. This decision was communicated to Hayden via an email from the White House's Presidential Personnel Office late Thursday, as reported by The Associated Press.
Carla Hayden made history when she was confirmed by the Senate in 2016, becoming the first woman and the first African American to serve as the Librarian of Congress. The email notifying her of her dismissal began with a straightforward message: “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service.” A spokesperson for the Library of Congress later confirmed that the White House had indeed dismissed Hayden.
Hayden’s dismissal comes amid increasing pressure from conservative advocacy groups, notably the American Accountability Foundation, which claimed that she and other library leaders were promoting children’s literature with what they deemed "radical content." Earlier that day, the group had taken to social media, labeling Hayden as “woke” and anti-Trump, and called for her removal from the prestigious position.
This termination is part of a larger pattern observed within the Trump administration, where officials across various departments, from the Justice Department to the Pentagon, have been dismissed for not adhering to the president’s directives. Just hours before Hayden’s firing, the acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was let go after publicly opposing proposals to significantly reduce the agency's role in disaster response.
The abrupt dismissal of Carla Hayden has sparked outrage among congressional Democrats. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer characterized Hayden as a “trailblazer, a scholar, and a public servant of the highest order.” Connecticut Representative Rosa DeLauro, who serves as the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, condemned the manner of Hayden’s firing, calling it callous and demanding clarification from the administration.
Representative Joseph Morelle of New York, who leads the House Administration Committee overseeing the Library, praised Hayden for her lifelong commitment to public service, stating, “She is an American hero.” The Library of Congress, renowned for its extensive collection of books and historical documents, is seen as a vital institution that serves both the public and lawmakers alike.
Throughout her tenure, Carla Hayden was instrumental in modernizing the Library of Congress, making it more accessible to various communities, including those in rural areas. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries commended Hayden as an “accomplished, principled, and distinguished Librarian of Congress.” He denounced Trump’s decision to fire her, framing it as part of a broader campaign against free expression and the preservation of American history.
New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Hayden's career was dedicated to promoting literacy and access to knowledge for all. “Dr. Hayden has devoted her career to making reading and the pursuit of knowledge available to everyone,” he asserted.
Following Hayden’s dismissal, Robert Newlen, the principal deputy librarian, announced he would step in as the acting Librarian of Congress until a successor is named. In an email to colleagues, he committed to keeping everyone informed during this transitional period.
Carla Hayden has often reflected on the transformative power of libraries in her life. She recently stated on social media, “Libraries are the great equalizer,” emphasizing the vital role of public libraries in offering opportunities for people from all walks of life to access information and resources that matter to them.
