Trump dismisses Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden in an unexpected email announcement.
Dr. Carla Hayden, who made history as the first African American woman appointed as the Librarian of Congress, was terminated from her position by President Donald Trump on a recent Thursday, as part of his strategy to restructure federal agencies. The abrupt dismissal came in the form of an email that Hayden received late Thursday night, informing her of the decision from Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel Trent Morse. The email stated the termination was effective immediately and expressed gratitude for her service in the role.
Following her removal, Library of Congress employees were alerted through a message from Deputy Librarian Robert Newlen, who announced that he would take on the duties of acting Librarian of Congress until further directives were issued. The Library of Congress later confirmed Hayden’s termination, emphasizing the immediate nature of the decision.
The news of Hayden’s firing sparked outrage among congressional Democrats, who received the email notification and expressed their disapproval of the decision. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted Hayden’s significant contributions to her field, labeling her a “trailblazer” and a dedicated public servant.
Hayden’s termination aligns with President Trump’s ongoing efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within governmental organizations. Prior to her removal, Hayden faced criticism from the conservative advocacy group American Accountability Foundation, which accused her of promoting material deemed anti-Trump and radical children’s literature. The group had publicly called for her replacement just hours before her termination.
Carla Hayden was appointed by President Obama in 2016, becoming the 14th Librarian of Congress and the first individual to serve in this capacity without a lifetime appointment in the institution’s 225-year history. She previously led the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore for 23 years. Her tenure as Librarian of Congress was originally set to conclude in 2026.
The termination of Carla Hayden raises questions about the direction of the Library of Congress and the implications of the current administration’s approach to leadership within federal agencies. Following her dismissal, discussions regarding the future of the Library and its commitment to inclusive representation and diverse resources are expected to gain traction among policymakers and community advocates alike.
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