"Donald Trump fires Carla Hayden: First African American Congress Librarian"
Trump dismisses the initial African-American Library of Congress Librarian
Washington, D.C. - May 8, 2025
In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has axed Carla Hayden, the pioneering librarian of the U.S. Congress Library, Library of Congress. The termination became effective immediately, as datclaimed in an email from Trent Morse, deputy director of presidential personnel, sent to Hayden, and later shared by Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich.
According to the missive, Hayden was dismissed on the president's behalf, providing no additional rationale or reasoning for the dismissal. The Library of Congress remains tight-lipped about the matter.
Hayden, who waged an illustrious tenure at the helm of this colossal institution since 2016, was set to retire next year. With her exit, questions about her successor have risen.
Controversy brewed over Hayden before her departure, with right-wing activists accusing her of indoctrinating young Americans with "radical sexual ideologies." Hours prior to the official announcement, the Trump-affiliated research group American Accountability Foundation branded Hayden as "woke," "anti-Trump," and a promoter of unconventional transgender viewpoints. They staunchly advocated for her termination and the hiring of a replacement.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries chastised Hayden's dismissal as a "disgraceful act," labeling it as a part of Trump's campaign to "ban books, manipulate American history, and reverse the clock."
Under Hayden's guidance, the library underwent an inclusive transformation, making resources more accessible to remote communities across the nation. Her work extended far beyond mere custodianship of books and documents but aimed to democratize learning nationwide.
The fallout from Hayden's sudden dismissal led to discussions among lawmakers regarding the hiring process for future Librarians of Congress. Some proposals focus on withdrawing the president's authority to hire and fire, and delegate the duty to Congress, thereby establishing an independent selection process and shielding the vital institution from political influences.
[1] Enrichment Data: The firing took place on May 8, 2025, and there were no formal reasons given for the dismissal. The termination occurred amidst criticism from the right-wing activist group, American Accountability Foundation, who alleged Hayden was promoting transgender ideologies and was "woke, anti-Trump." The Librarian of Congress position does not have any statutory protection from presidential dismissal, allowing the abrupt termination to occur.
[2] Enrichment Data: The backlash from Democratic leaders, lawmakers, and activists was intense, with denunciations of unjust termination tied to Trump's efforts to "ban books" and "whitewash American history." As a response, proposals have surfaced to shift the hiring and firing power from the president to Congress, to ensure the independence of the Library of Congress and safeguard it from politically motivated dismissals.
[3] Enrichment Data: Senator Martin Heinrich underscored the importance of Hayden's work in making the library more accessible to all Americans, particularly those living in rural communities.
[4] Enrichment Data: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries linked Hayden's firing to Trump's broader campaign to "ban books" and "whitewash American history," contending it was an attempt to "turn back the clock." Representative Rosa DeLauro condemned the firing as an affront to Hayden's groundbreaking service and a direct attack on the independence of the Library of Congress.
[1] Despite no official reasons given, the Commission, with the sudden dismissal of Carla Hayden on May 8, 2025, has sparked controversy, as right-wing activists accused her of pushing unconventional transgender viewpoints.
[2] The dismissal was met with fierce backlash from Democratic leaders and lawmakers, who denounced it as a political move, reminiscent of Trump's alleged efforts to "ban books" and "whitewash American history."
[3] Senator Martin Heinrich emphasized the significance of Hayden's work in making the library more accessible to rural communities, ensuring resources were available to all Americans.
[4] House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries likened Hayden's firing to Trump's broader campaign to "turn back the clock," calling it a direct attack on the independence of the Library of Congress.
[5] Moving forward, proposals seeking to withdraw the president's authority to hire and fire the Librarian of Congress have surfaced, aiming to establish an independent selection process and shield the institution from political influences.
