Librarian of Congress is latest casualty in Trumps racist war on workers
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 4:30 pm
Librarian of Congress Fired: Trump's Actions Spark Outrage
President Donald Trump's actions have once again ignited controversy, this time with the abrupt firing of Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress. Hayden, the first woman and first Black person to hold the prestigious position, was dismissed via a terse two-sentence email, sparking immediate backlash from Democrats and civil rights advocates.
Hayden, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016, oversaw the Library of Congress throughout Trump's first term. Her removal is particularly notable given the rarity of leadership changes at the institution, which hadn't seen a new head since 1987. Before her appointment, Hayden had a distinguished career in the Chicago library system.
Democrats swiftly condemned the move. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the dismissal a "disgrace," while Rep. Rosa DeLauro demanded Hayden's reinstatement, calling her a "guardian of truth." Critics point to the firing as part of a broader pattern of Trump's actions to assert control over American cultural institutions, including attacks on DEI initiatives and attempts to rewrite history.
The firing came shortly after a conservative nonprofit, the American Accountability Foundation, labeled Hayden as "woke" and "anti-Trump." This rhetoric, often used as a racial dog whistle, suggests that Hayden's very presence was seen as a provocation. Hayden had previously clashed with the George W. Bush administration over the Patriot Act, a point raised during her confirmation hearings.
The Library of Congress, founded in 1800, is the oldest federal cultural institution and the largest library in the world. Hayden, upon her nomination, emphasized her commitment to making the library more inclusive and modernizing its operations.
BNN's Perspective: While the circumstances surrounding Hayden's firing raise legitimate concerns about political interference in a vital cultural institution, it's important to acknowledge the potential for differing perspectives on the role of the Librarian of Congress. The swift condemnation from Democrats suggests a partisan divide, and a thorough investigation into the reasons behind the dismissal is warranted to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the Library of Congress.
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