WASHINGTON — In a move that’s sparked outrage, President Donald Trump has fired Carla Hayden, the first Black and first woman Librarian of Congress.
According to an email obtained by the Associated Press, the dismissal came late Thursday via a short message from the White House’s Presidential Personnel Office: “Your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately.” A spokesperson for the Library confirmed her removal.
Hayden, a trailblazing archivist and advocate for access to knowledge, had served in the role since 2016 after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Her leadership brought the Library of Congress into the digital age, championed diverse collections, and expanded resources to rural and underserved communities.
But in recent weeks, she became the target of a far-right campaign to purge federal agencies of anyone deemed “anti-Trump.” The American Accountability Foundation (AAF), a conservative group linked to coordinated attacks on public officials, accused Hayden of “promoting radical content” in children’s books and labeled her “woke” on social media hours before her firing.
“The current #LibrarianOfCongress Carla Hayden is woke, anti-Trump, and promotes trans-ing kids,” the group posted. “It’s time to get her OUT and hire a new guy for the job!”
What firing Librarian of Congress signals
Trump’s ousting of Hayden is the latest in a string of dismissals targeting officials who oppose his agenda — including at FEMA and the Pentagon. Notably, multiple top Black and women military leaders have been removed this year, adding to concerns about gender and racial bias in the former president’s second-term strategy.
Democratic leaders called the firing an attack on public service and historical stewardship.
“Enough is enough,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, calling Hayden a “trailblazer, a scholar, and a public servant of the highest order.”
“She’s an American hero,” added Rep. Joseph Morelle, who oversees the House committee responsible for the Library.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., condemned the firing as “a disgrace.”
“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.
A legacy of inclusion, erased by politics
Before her appointment to lead the Library, Hayden served as CEO of Baltimore’s public library system. She holds degrees from Roosevelt University and the University of Chicago and has long championed libraries as “opportunity centers” for communities.
Under her leadership, the Library of Congress expanded access to historical materials, digitized records, and welcomed new generations of learners — including a moment that went viral when artist Lizzo played President James Madison’s crystal flute at Hayden’s invitation.
“Libraries are the great equalizer,” Hayden wrote last month during National Library Week. “You’re giving people the opportunity to choose which information, entertainment and inspiration matters to them.”
Hayden’s deputy, Robert Newlen, will serve as acting librarian “until further instruction.”
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