Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
President Donald Trump has fired Dr. Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, in a sudden and controversial move that has sparked an outcry from Democratic lawmakers and library advocates across the country.
The termination was delivered via email Thursday from Trent Morse, deputy director of presidential personnel, and was effective immediately, according to a copy obtained by NBC News. Hayden, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016 and confirmed by a bipartisan Senate vote, was the first woman and the first African American to lead the Library of Congress in its 225-year history.
“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,” the message stated.
Principal Deputy Librarian Robert Newlen will serve as acting Librarian of Congress until further notice, according to an internal email to staff.
A modernizer removed
Hayden’s tenure has been widely praised by librarians and lawmakers alike for her efforts to modernize the vast Library of Congress, improve digital access, and streamline its services. In testimony before Congress just this week, Hayden outlined progress on digitization and public accessibility.
Under a 2015 law signed by Obama, the Librarian of Congress is appointed for a 10-year term rather than a lifetime appointment. Hayden’s term was set to expire next year.
Political backlash
Democrats condemned Trump’s decision. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on the House Administration Committee, which oversees the Library, called it “ignorant” and said he would introduce legislation to make the position a congressional appointment.
“She is an American hero,” Morelle said. “This is about more than one public servant — it’s about safeguarding the institutions that protect our democracy.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called Hayden’s removal “a disgrace,” suggesting it was part of Trump’s broader effort to suppress knowledge and rewrite history.
“Trump’s unjust decision is the latest in his ongoing effort to ban books, whitewash American history and turn back the clock,” Jeffries said.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) added that Congress must reassert control over the appointment process, warning of the political weaponization of federal institutions.
Conservative pressure campaign
Hayden had recently become the target of the conservative nonprofit American Accountability Foundation, which accused her of promoting “radical gender ideology” and called her “woke.” The group celebrated her removal Thursday night, posting on X, “THANK YOU @POTUS !!!!”
Hayden is the second federal official to be dismissed this week after testifying before Congress. Cameron Hamilton, acting head of FEMA, was also fired days after giving congressional testimony.
Next steps uncertain
While Robert Newlen now serves as acting head, the White House has not yet named a permanent replacement. Trump’s decision could trigger further political fights over control of the nation’s top cultural institutions, especially with Democrats calling for legal changes to limit presidential authority over the position.
