Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, was abruptly fired by President Donald Trump, a decision communicated in an email from Trent Morse, deputy director of presidential personnel. The email, shared with congressional Democrats and obtained by NBC News, stated that Hayden’s termination was effective immediately. Following her dismissal, Principal Deputy Librarian Robert Newlen informed library staff that he would serve as acting Librarian until further instructions.
Hayden, who was appointed by President Barack Obama in February 2016, made history as the first woman and the first African American to hold the position. Her appointment followed a bipartisan Senate confirmation vote of 74-18, and she was the first Librarian of Congress to hold a 10-year term rather than a lifetime appointment, a change established by a law signed by Obama. Her tenure was due to end in 2024.
Prior to her role at the Library of Congress, Hayden led the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore and worked on efforts to modernize the library’s systems. Her firing has drawn criticism from Democratic leaders, including Rep. Joe Morelle, who accused Trump of targeting public servants unfairly. Morelle announced plans to introduce legislation ensuring that the Librarian of Congress is appointed by Congress rather than the president.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also expressed discontent, advocating for a Congressional commission to make the appointment, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the action as damaging to libraries and educational interests. Meanwhile, a conservative group, the American Accountability Foundation, praised Hayden’s firing, describing her as “woke.”
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