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2d ago

Trump Dismisses Carla Hayden as Librarian of Congress in Sudden Move

The termination of the first woman and African American in the role has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, while the White House remains silent on the decision.

The Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden is seen attending the Library Of Congress "The Two Georges: Parallel Lives In An Age Of Revolution" exhibition press preview at The Library of Congress on March 25, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images)
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FILE - Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden arrives at the presentation of the Gershwin Prize, to be awarded to Joni Mitchell at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington March 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Amanda Andrade-Rhoades, File)
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Overview

  • Carla Hayden, appointed in 2016 by President Obama, was informed of her dismissal via a two-sentence email from the White House late Thursday evening.
  • Hayden, whose term was set to expire in 2026, was the first woman and African American to lead the Library of Congress, focusing on modernization and inclusivity during her tenure.
  • Democratic leaders have condemned the firing as an attack on public institutions, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling it 'unjust' and 'disgraceful.'
  • The conservative American Accountability Foundation had recently pushed for Hayden's removal, accusing her of promoting 'woke' content and opposing Trump’s agenda.
  • Robert Newlen, the principal deputy librarian, has been named acting Librarian of Congress, while Democrats consider legislative measures to protect future appointments.