President Donald Trump has fired Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, in a move that has sparked outrage among Democratic lawmakers and advocates for cultural institutions. The dismissal, which took place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, was communicated via a brief email from Trent Morse, the deputy director of presidential personnel, stating, "On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service." This abrupt termination marks a significant moment in the ongoing reshaping of American cultural institutions under the Trump administration.
Carla Hayden, who has held the position since 2016, made history as the first woman and the first African American to lead the Library of Congress. Appointed by President Barack Obama, her tenure was notable for efforts to modernize the library and expand its accessibility to diverse communities. However, her dismissal comes amid increasing scrutiny from conservative groups, particularly the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), which accused her of promoting children's books with what they deemed "radical" content.
In a statement on social media, AAF labeled Hayden as "woke, anti-Trump, and promotes trans-ing kids," calling for her removal just hours before the firing was announced. The group has positioned itself as a watchdog, targeting public officials perceived to be resistant to Trump's agenda.
Democratic leaders have condemned the firing as part of a broader campaign to remove experienced public servants. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described the decision as "unjust" and a disgrace, emphasizing that it continues Trump's efforts to "ban books, whitewash American history, and turn back the clock." He stated, "The Library of Congress is the People’s Library. There will be accountability for this unprecedented assault on the American way of life sooner rather than later." Similarly, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called for the position of Librarian of Congress to be appointed by a congressional commission rather than the president, arguing that federal appointments should not be treated like "reality TV prizes."
Representative Rosa DeLauro echoed these sentiments, asserting that Hayden's firing not only disrespects her service but also undermines the independence of a revered institution. "Her dismissal is not just an affront to her historic service but a direct attack on the independence of one of our most revered institutions," DeLauro said.
Hayden's career has been marked by significant achievements, including her recent efforts to digitize the Library of Congress's vast collection, which includes over 178 million items ranging from rare books to historical manuscripts. During her tenure, she also oversaw the Congressional Research Service and the Copyright Office, further solidifying the library's role as a vital resource for lawmakers and the public alike.
In a recent hearing before Congress, Hayden outlined her initiatives to modernize library operations and ensure that it remained relevant in the digital age. Her work was praised by both sides of the aisle, with Republican Congressman Bryan Steil commending her dedication to the library and its mission.
Despite this bipartisan support, the political climate has shifted dramatically, with Trump prioritizing a cultural agenda that includes purging references to diversity and inclusion from government institutions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Hayden's firing, citing "concerning" actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that allegedly led to the inclusion of inappropriate materials for children.
Hayden's dismissal is not an isolated incident; it follows a pattern of firings across various governmental departments, including the recent ousting of the acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after he expressed dissenting views on proposed organizational changes. This trend has raised alarms among Democrats and advocates for democratic institutions, who fear that such actions are part of a broader strategy to consolidate power and eliminate dissent.
In light of Hayden's firing, Representative Joseph Morelle announced plans to introduce legislation that would transfer the authority to appoint future Librarians of Congress to Congress itself, aiming to prevent politically motivated dismissals in the future. Morelle described Hayden as "an American hero" whose career has been dedicated to promoting literacy and safeguarding historical documents.
The Library of Congress, founded in 1800 by President John Adams, serves as the research arm of Congress and is one of the oldest government-run cultural institutions in the United States. It houses a vast array of materials, including the papers of nearly two dozen presidents and collections of rare artifacts. The library is visited by approximately 1.5 million tourists annually, underscoring its significance as a national treasure.
As the principal deputy librarian, Robert Newlen, prepares to take over as acting librarian until further instructions are received, the future of the Library of Congress remains uncertain. In an internal email, Newlen expressed his commitment to keeping the staff informed during this transitional period.
Hayden's firing has drawn condemnation not only from lawmakers but also from cultural figures, including three U.S. poets laureate she appointed—Ada Limón, Joy Harjo, and Tracy K. Smith—who have publicly expressed their discontent with the decision. The outcry reflects a growing concern over the direction of U.S. cultural policy under the Trump administration and the implications for institutions that serve as custodians of the nation's history.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Hayden's firing may resonate far beyond the Library of Congress, raising fundamental questions about the future of cultural institutions and their role in preserving the diverse narratives that shape American society.
