Trump Administration Fires Librarian of Congress, Sparking Outrage

Dr. Carla D. Hayden, the first African American and first female Librarian of Congress, was dismissed by the Trump administration on Thursday, igniting fierce backlash from Democratic leaders.

Dr. Hayden, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016, had served as the 14th Librarian of Congress. Her tenure, which spanned the entirety of President Trump’s first term, was marked by her efforts to modernize and preserve the oldest government-run cultural institution in the United States. The position of Librarian of Congress is traditionally a long-term appointment, with Dr. Hayden being the first to hold the role since 1987.

The unexpected dismissal came via a brief two-sentence email from Trent Morse, deputy director of White House personnel, which informed Dr. Hayden of her termination without providing a reason. The email read: “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.”

Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, shared the email screenshot, prompting immediate condemnation.

Dr. Hayden, 72, declined to comment when reached by phone. However, her firing drew sharp criticism from political figures across the spectrum. Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the Democratic minority leader, condemned the move as an "unjust decision" and criticized the manner in which the dismissal was carried out.

“Donald Trump’s unjust decision to fire Dr. Hayden in an email sent by a random political hack is a disgrace and the latest in his ongoing effort to ban books, whitewash American history and turn back the clock,” Jeffries said in a statement.

The Library of Congress, which holds millions of books, films, newspapers, and other records, is one of the nation's most vital cultural institutions. Dr. Hayden’s leadership, which began with a major overhaul of Baltimore’s public library system, was seen as instrumental in making the Library of Congress more accessible and inclusive.

Representative Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, also criticized the decision. “Her dismissal is not just an affront to her historic service but a direct attack on the independence of one of our most revered institutions,” DeLauro said.

In the wake of the firing, many have voiced concerns over President Trump’s broader efforts to influence cultural institutions, including his controversial stance on diversity and inclusion. These moves have prompted significant public debate about the future of public institutions and their role in society.

Dr. Hayden’s career, which spans nearly five decades, was a journey of breaking barriers. From her early days as a librarian in Chicago in 1973 to her tenure as Baltimore’s chief librarian, Dr. Hayden’s dedication to accessible knowledge and public service has earned her widespread admiration.

Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Hayden once described the Library of Congress as a “treasure chest,” a sentiment that has been echoed by many who believe in the vital role libraries play in a democratic society.

As her tenure at the Library of Congress comes to a close, the legacy of Dr. Hayden’s leadership will undoubtedly remain a defining chapter in the institution’s long history.