Trump Dismisses Librarian of Congress from Position
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 10:01 pm
Trump Fires Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, Sparking Controversy
President Donald Trump has dismissed Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden from her position, according to a source familiar with the matter, confirmed by *The Hill*. Hayden, a historic figure as the first woman and first African American to hold the role, was informed of her termination via email on Thursday evening.
The decision has ignited immediate criticism from Democrats. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) lauded Hayden's efforts to expand the Library's reach, highlighting initiatives that brought resources to rural communities and increased accessibility both online and in person. He contrasted her dedication to promoting knowledge with what he characterized as Trump's desire to restrict access to information.
The termination comes despite Hayden's confirmation by the Senate in 2016 with a strong 74-18 vote. Her ten-year term was scheduled to end next year. The White House has not yet released a public statement explaining the reasoning behind the dismissal.
Hayden's tenure faced scrutiny from the conservative American Accountability Foundation (AAF), which had previously called for her removal. AAF's president, Tom Jones, expressed support for the move, advocating for an "America First agenda" in intellectual property regulation.
The abrupt firing has raised questions about the future direction of the Library of Congress and the potential impact on its programs and initiatives. The lack of a clear explanation from the White House has only fueled the controversy surrounding the decision.
BNN's Perspective: While the President has the authority to appoint and remove officials, the dismissal of a Librarian of Congress, especially one with a strong record of public service and bipartisan support, warrants careful consideration. The lack of transparency surrounding the decision is concerning, and it's crucial to understand the administration's rationale to assess the potential implications for the Library and its mission.
Keywords: Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, Donald Trump, fired, termination, Library of Congress, Senate, Democrats, American Accountability Foundation, controversy, politics, news, government, appointment, removal, accessibility, reading, knowledge, America First, intellectual property, rural communities.