President Trump fires Carla Hayden, the first woman and first Black Librarian of Congress, via a short email from the White House, sparking immediate backlash from Democrats and raising questions about federal leadership changes.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Carla Hayden, nominated by Obama in 2016, was fired via email with no reason provided despite her term not expiring until next year.
- Hayden was the first woman and first African American to lead the Library of Congress, a position that hasn’t seen leadership changes since 1987.
- Her dismissal aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to reduce diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in federal institutions.
- Robert Newlen will serve as the acting librarian following Hayden’s termination.
- Democrats have condemned the firing as an attack on American libraries and intellectual freedom.
Abrupt Dismissal Breaks Historical Precedent
In a significant departure from traditional handling of the Library of Congress leadership, President Donald Trump has terminated Dr. Carla Hayden from her position as Librarian of Congress. The dismissal was executed via a brief two-sentence email from Trent Morse, deputy director of White House personnel, stating her position was “terminated effective immediately.” This marks a rare change in leadership for the nation’s oldest government-run cultural institution, which hasn’t seen a new librarian appointed since 1987 until Dr. Hayden took the role.
Dr. Hayden, 72, was nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2016 and made history as both the first woman and first African American to hold the position. Her term was scheduled to conclude next year, making this early termination particularly noteworthy. The Library of Congress spokesman Roswell Encina has confirmed the firing, while Dr. Hayden herself has declined to comment on the situation, maintaining professional discretion despite the circumstances of her removal.
Trump fires Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in abrupt move, sending Democrats into a frenzy https://t.co/V2F3ofmyVf pic.twitter.com/pSRcQCNnbU
— New York Post (@nypost) May 9, 2025
Dismissal Amid Broader Policy Shifts
The firing comes amid what observers note is a larger pattern of changes within the Trump administration regarding diversity initiatives in federal institutions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has recently overseen the removal of hundreds of books from the U.S. Naval Academy as part of what has been characterized as a DEI-related purge. Conservative groups had previously criticized Dr. Hayden’s book selections, labeling her approach as “woke,” though no official reason was provided in the termination notice.
Robert Newlen, a veteran of the institution, has been appointed to serve as acting librarian following Dr. Hayden’s dismissal. This transition comes at a time when the Library of Congress – which houses millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts – faces questions about its future direction under new leadership. The Library’s role as the primary research arm of Congress and guardian of America’s intellectual heritage makes any leadership change significant for the nation’s cultural landscape.
Democratic Lawmakers Express Outrage
The decision has prompted strong reactions from Democratic lawmakers who view the firing as unprecedented and concerning. Representative Hakeem Jeffries publicly praised Dr. Hayden as an “accomplished, principled and distinguished” leader, highlighting the respect she had earned during her tenure. Other Democratic representatives have been more direct in their criticism of the administration’s decision, characterizing it as an attack on American libraries and intellectual freedom.
Representative Joe Morelle described Dr. Hayden as “a patriotic public servant” who “has spent her entire career serving people – from helping kids learn to read to protecting some of our nation’s most precious treasures.” The abrupt nature of the dismissal, combined with the lack of a stated rationale, has intensified concerns among those who view the Library of Congress as an institution that should remain above partisan politics, dedicated to preserving knowledge and cultural heritage for all Americans.
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Trump Fires Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden
Trump Firing Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden Sparks Backlash Online
Trump Administration Fires Librarian of Congress
