Trump Abruptly Fires Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, Sparking Democratic Outrage

President Trump’s sudden dismissal of Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden has ignited fierce criticism from Democratic leaders.

President Donald Trump has terminated Carla Hayden, the first woman and African American to serve as Librarian of Congress, effective immediately via an email from the White House’s Presidential Personnel Office. Hayden, nominated by former President Barack Obama and confirmed in 2016, had her term set to expire next year. Her dismissal has provoked strong reactions from Democratic leaders across the nation.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries labeled Trump’s decision as “a disgrace” and an attempt to “ban books, whitewash American history and turn back the clock.” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer praised Hayden as a “trailblazer, a scholar, and a public servant of the highest order,” while Rep. Rosa DeLauro demanded an explanation for what she described as a “callous” firing.

Hayden’s tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the Library of Congress and increase its accessibility, including initiatives aimed at rural communities and online resources. However, she faced criticism from the conservative group American Accountability Foundation, which accused her of promoting “radical” content and literature by Trump’s opponents.

The firing comes amidst a broader purge of officials not aligning with Trump’s agenda, including the recent dismissal of the acting FEMA administrator who opposed the president’s proposal to dismantle the agency. Robert Newlen, the principal deputy librarian, will serve as acting librarian until further notice.

The Library of Congress, which holds vast collections including presidential papers and rare books, is a cornerstone of American cultural heritage. The abrupt nature of Hayden’s dismissal and its implications on the institution’s future direction have raised concerns about the politicization of cultural institutions.