Librarian of Congress firing is latest move in upheaval of U.S. cultural institutions

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 8:36 pm

Trump's Shakeup of US Cultural Institutions Continues with Librarian of Congress Firing

President Trump's influence on American cultural institutions continues to be felt, with the recent firing of Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, the first woman and African American to hold the position. This move, announced Thursday night, marks another significant shift in the leadership of key cultural organizations. Hayden's term was set to expire next year.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt cited concerns regarding Hayden's actions at the Library of Congress, specifically referencing her pursuit of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives and the inclusion of "inappropriate books" for children. NPR has reached out to Hayden for comment.

The Library of Congress, a vital resource for Congress and the nation, houses the U.S. Copyright Office and organizes the annual National Book Festival. It also boasts an extensive collection of books, films, recordings, and manuscripts. Hayden's primary focus since taking office in 2016 was modernizing the library and digitizing its vast collection, a task that was considered a success by many, including Republican Congressman Bryan Steil.

This firing is part of a broader trend of upheaval within cultural institutions. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has also seen significant staff departures, with four members of the literary arts staff announcing their resignations. Furthermore, arts groups across the country are facing funding challenges as the NEA shifts its grantmaking priorities to align with the President's vision.

This follows earlier moves, including Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center, where he fired the president and installed an interim leader. Performers in an upcoming production at the Kennedy Center are planning a boycott of the show when President Trump attends. These actions, along with attempts to cut staff at the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, highlight a concerted effort to reshape the landscape of American arts and culture.

Keywords: Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, Donald Trump, firing, National Endowment for the Arts, NEA, Kennedy Center, cultural institutions, DEI, digitization, arts funding, U.S. Copyright Office, National Book Festival, American culture, political influence, library, arts, politics

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