Without any warning or signs, Donald Trump has fired Carla Hayden, the first African American and first female Librarian of Congress. On Thursday night, Hayden was informed that she was being terminated through an email from the Presidential Personnel Office. “Carla,” the message began. “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service.”
Hayden Appointed By Obama
Former President Barack Obama appointed Hayden in 2016, and she was confirmed by the Senate. She would have completed her 10-year term later this year. Hayden’s dismissal is part of a sweeping purge of federal officials that Trump feels do not line up with his beliefs and agenda.
Recently, Hayden had become a target of the conservative American Accountability Foundation, which is well known for going after officials it views as anti-Trump. The group attacked her on the social media platform X just hours before she was fired.
Librarian of Congress Targeted
“The current #Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, is woke, anti-Trump, and promotes trans-ing kids. It’s time to get her OUT and hire a new guy for the job!” The group had previously criticized Hayden for promoting children’s books with what they referred to as “radical content.” Some of the authors included were authors who had spoken out against Trump. Even though the group had attacked Hayden before, her firing was quick and fierce.
Leaders Come To Hayden’s Defense
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer came to the ousted Librarian of Congress’s defense on X: “Enough is enough,” he wrote. He added that Hayden is a “trailblazer, a scholar, and a public servant of the highest order.” The top Democrat in the House of Appropriations, Rosa DeLauro, called Hayden’s dismissal “callous” and demanded a reason from Trump and his administration
New York Rep. Joseph Morelle, who serves as the top Democrat on the House Administration Committee that oversees the library, also came to Hayden’s defense. “Hayden has spent her entire career serving people — from helping kids learn to read to protecting some of our nation’s most precious treasures,” Morelle said. “She is an American hero.”
Hayden’s Legacy
The legacy that Hayden has built at the Library of Congress is one of accessibility and modernization. As Librarian of Congress, she greatly expanded the outreach to rural communities and digitized rare collections. She also spotlighted pop culture. In 2022, she brought Lizzo to the Library of Congress to play President James Madison’s crystal flute.
Before becoming the librarian at the Library of Congress, Hayden earned her degrees from the University of Chicago. She was the head of the Baltimore Library system. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, responded to Hayden’s dismissal with, “Donald Trump’s unjust decision to fire Dr. Hayden in an email sent by a random political hack is a disgrace and the latest in his ongoing effort to ban books, whitewash American history, and turn back the clock,” he said.
String Of Firings
Unfortunately, Hayden’s dismissal is part of a string of firings that have taken place recently. Earlier the same day, the acting head of FEMA was ousted because he expressed opposition to the Pentagon’s plan to dismantle the agency. The Trump administration has also ousted over a dozen military leaders. Amongst those leaders were the only two women who served as four-star officers.
