Trump Fires First Woman and African American Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden
In a move already sparking widespread backlash across political and cultural spheres, President Donald Trump has fired Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden, ending her tenure with a brief and unceremonious email. Hayden, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016, made history as the first woman, the first African American, and the first professional librarian in over 60 years to hold the prestigious position.
The termination message, delivered by the White House deputy director of presidential personnel, was blunt and devoid of explanation: “Carla, 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.”
No official reason for the dismissal has been given, and the White House has not responded to requests for comment.
A Legacy of Access and Inclusion
Dr. Hayden’s appointment in 2016 was hailed as a milestone for inclusivity and public service. Prior to leading the Library of Congress, she served as the CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, where she became known for her strong defense of public access to information, especially during the unrest in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray.
During her nearly nine years in office, Hayden worked to modernize the Library of Congress, expanding its digital offerings and advocating for open access to archival materials. She prioritized bringing the library into the 21st century by digitizing rare collections, increasing accessibility for Americans with disabilities, and launching initiatives to engage younger audiences and underserved communities.
Many in the library and literary worlds are viewing her firing not just as the removal of a competent public servant, but as a politically motivated act that undermines the neutrality and independence of one of the nation’s oldest cultural institutions.
Immediate Fallout
Robert Newlen, principal deputy librarian, has been appointed as acting Librarian of Congress “until further instruction,” according to the Associated Press.
Hayden’s removal raises questions about the administration’s intentions toward cultural and educational institutions. Some fear that this could pave the way for an appointee with less professional expertise and a more ideologically driven approach to controlling access to information.
Librarians, educators, historians, and authors have taken to social media to express outrage and concern over the sudden ouster. Many have called the dismissal yet another example of the Trump administration’s ongoing erosion of democratic norms and disregard for institutional legacy.
What Comes Next?
The position of Librarian of Congress is typically a nonpartisan, ten-year appointment, meant to provide continuity and stewardship over the country’s most important literary and archival collections. While a president does technically have the authority to remove the Librarian, such a move is unprecedented in modern history.
With this dismissal, Trump is once again making clear his willingness to dismantle the norms of nonpartisan leadership, particularly in institutions tied to education, the arts, and public service.
Advocates are now calling on Congress and the American Library Association to publicly oppose the firing and demand transparency on who will be nominated to fill the post permanently.
In a time when the role of information—and disinformation—is under increased scrutiny, the removal of a widely respected librarian may be more than symbolic. It could be a warning sign of more targeted interventions in the nation’s cultural and intellectual institutions.