Better News Network
Politics / Article

Trump Fires First Woman to Run the Library of Congress

3 minute read

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 12:28 pm

**Trump Fires Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden Amidst "Woke" Accusations**

President Donald Trump has fired Carla Hayden, the first woman and first Black person to lead the Library of Congress, sparking outrage and accusations of political retribution. Hayden, appointed by Barack Obama, was informed of her termination via a brief email from the White House's Presidential Personnel Office, with no specific reason provided.

The move follows pressure from the conservative advocacy group American Accountability Foundation, which accused Hayden of promoting "radical literature" and being "woke" and "anti-Trump." The group's social media posts, calling for Hayden's removal, preceded the announcement of her firing.

This decision is part of a broader trend of Trump removing government officials perceived as opposing his "MAGA" agenda. Other recent dismissals include the acting administrator of FEMA and several top Pentagon generals. The President has also overseen changes at the Kennedy Center, replacing bipartisan board members with figures aligned with his views.

Congressional Democrats have strongly condemned Hayden's firing. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it an attack on democracy, while other lawmakers praised Hayden's service and demanded an explanation for the decision. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Trump of attempting to "ban books" and "whitewash American history."

BNN's Perspective: While the circumstances surrounding Hayden's firing raise concerns about political interference in a non-partisan institution, it's important to acknowledge the right of a president to appoint and remove officials. However, the abrupt manner of the dismissal and the lack of a clear explanation, coupled with the accusations of political motivations, are troubling. The Library of Congress is a vital institution, and its leadership should be free from undue political influence to ensure its continued service to the American people.

Keywords: Trump, Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, firing, woke, anti-Trump, American Accountability Foundation, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, political, democracy, Library of Congress, government officials, MAGA, Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, conservative, controversy, politics, news, breaking news

Full Story