Trump administration dismisses high-ranking copyright chief shortly after removing the Librarian of Congress

Published: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 2:34 am

**Trump Administration Ousts Copyright Chief, Raising Concerns**

The Trump administration has abruptly dismissed Shira Perlmutter, the Register of Copyrights and Director of the U.S. Copyright Office, sparking controversy and raising questions about the administration's motives. The dismissal, announced via email, comes on the heels of the removal of Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, marking a significant shakeup within the nation's intellectual property infrastructure.

Perlmutter, who was appointed by Hayden in October 2020, was a key figure in navigating the complex landscape of copyright law, particularly concerning the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. Her office recently released a report examining the use of copyrighted materials by AI companies, a crucial issue as AI systems increasingly generate creative works. The report, part of a larger AI study, followed extensive public input and clarified the office's stance on copyright protection, emphasizing the importance of human creativity.

The sudden removal of Perlmutter has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, who have labeled the move as a "brazen, unprecedented power grab." The White House has not yet commented on the dismissal. Perlmutter's background includes experience at the Patent and Trademark Office and previous work at the Copyright Office in the late 1990s. The Copyright Office handles approximately half a million copyright applications annually, covering millions of creative works.

BNN's Perspective: While the administration's actions raise concerns about political interference in a crucial area of intellectual property, it's important to remember that presidential administrations often make personnel changes. However, the timing and lack of explanation surrounding these dismissals warrant scrutiny. The focus should be on ensuring the Copyright Office remains independent and continues to protect the rights of creators in the face of rapidly evolving technological advancements.

Keywords: Shira Perlmutter, Copyright Office, Trump administration, Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, copyright, AI, artificial intelligence, intellectual property, dismissal, removal, U.S. Copyright Office, copyright law, copyright protection, creative works, political, power grab, Joe Morelle, Register of Copyrights, White House, AI companies, copyright applications

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