Trump administration fires librarian of Congress
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Trump Administration Fires Librarian of Congress, Sparking Outrage
The Trump administration has abruptly fired Carla D. Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, sparking immediate condemnation from Democrats. Hayden, a historic figure as the first African American and first woman to hold the position, was dismissed via a brief email from a White House official, without any stated reason.
Hayden, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016, oversaw the Library of Congress throughout Trump's first term. The library, the oldest cultural institution run by the U.S. government, rarely sees leadership changes, making Hayden's firing particularly noteworthy.
Democrats have strongly criticized the move, with Representative Hakeem Jeffries calling it a "disgrace" and accusing Trump of attempting to "ban books" and "whitewash American history." Other Democrats, including Representative Rosa DeLauro, have echoed these sentiments, viewing the dismissal as an attack on the institution's independence.
This action follows a pattern of the Trump administration asserting control over cultural institutions. Recent examples include actions taken at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the removal of diversity and inclusion references from government websites.
The Library of Congress, a vast repository of knowledge serving as the research arm of Congress, holds millions of items, including books, music, films, and newspapers. Hayden, a respected figure with a long career in library leadership, previously served as the chief librarian in Baltimore and Chicago.
BNN's Perspective: While the abrupt nature of the firing raises concerns about political interference, it's important to remember that presidential administrations often appoint their own leadership to key positions. However, the lack of transparency and the context of the administration's actions towards cultural institutions do warrant scrutiny. The public deserves a clear explanation for this decision.
Keywords: Librarian of Congress, Carla D. Hayden, Trump administration, firing, Democrats, Library of Congress, Barack Obama, cultural institutions, political, Hakeem Jeffries, Rosa DeLauro, books, American history, diversity, inclusion, government, leadership, appointment, controversy, dismissal.