President Donald Trump dismissed Dr. Carla Hayden from her position as Librarian of Congress, nearly a year before the scheduled end of her 10-year term. Appointed in 2016 by President Barack Obama, Hayden was the first woman and the first African American to hold the role. Her tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the Library of Congress, expand digital access, and promote diversity and inclusion within the institution’s collections.
The dismissal was communicated via a brief email from the White House’s Presidential Personnel Office. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the decision was based on concerns that Hayden was not adequately serving the interests of the American public. Specific criticisms included her promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the inclusion of what the administration deemed inappropriate books for children in the Library’s collection.
The firing has drawn significant criticism from lawmakers, literary figures, and cultural institutions. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the action as “a disgrace,” praising Hayden’s leadership and modernization efforts. Senator Ed Markey and Representative Joseph Morelle also expressed strong opposition, highlighting her contributions to accessibility and cultural preservation.
In response to the dismissal, the Tony-nominated Broadway musical “Dead Outlaw” canceled its scheduled performance at the Library of Congress in protest. The show’s creators and cast members cited Hayden’s support for preserving American culture and the arts as reasons for their decision, as reported.
Dr. Hayden’s departure has sparked a broader debate about the independence of cultural institutions and the role of political influence in their operations. As the Library of Congress transitions to interim leadership under Principal Deputy Librarian Robert Newlen, discussions continue regarding the future direction of the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution.
White House Press Secretary talked about Hayden’s dismissal in the video below:
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