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yesterday

Trump’s Firing of Librarian of Congress Sparks Bipartisan Fallout

President Trump removed Carla Hayden, the first woman and African American Librarian of Congress, citing concerns over diversity policies, prompting legislative response and public outcry.

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

  • President Trump dismissed Carla Hayden as Librarian of Congress via a two-sentence email on May 8, 2025, effective immediately.
  • Hayden, appointed by President Obama in 2016, was the first woman and African American to lead the Library of Congress, with her term set to expire in 2026.
  • The White House justified the dismissal by criticizing Hayden’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which it claimed were inappropriate.
  • Democratic leaders condemned the firing as politically motivated and are exploring legislative measures to limit presidential authority over such appointments.
  • Robert Newlen, the principal deputy librarian, has assumed the role of acting Librarian of Congress until further instructions are provided.