Overview

• President Donald Trump appointed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, his former defense attorney, as acting Librarian of Congress after firing Carla Hayden on May 8, 2025.
• Blanche's appointment is contested, as Library officials state they await congressional guidance, and two Justice Department appointees were denied access to Library offices earlier today.
• House Democrats have called for an inspector general investigation into the firings of Hayden and Copyright Office head Shira Perlmutter, citing concerns of executive overreach.
• Critics argue that placing an executive branch official in charge of a legislative agency violates constitutional separation of powers principles.
• Blanche, who lacks library science credentials, is also retaining his role as Deputy Attorney General, raising questions about dual responsibilities and institutional independence.