President Donald Trump has abruptly terminated Dr. Carla D. Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, continuing his administration’s removal of federal officials linked to progressive policies. The dismissal was delivered Thursday evening via a brief two-sentence email from the White House Presidential Personnel Office, effective immediately.
“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,” wrote Trent Morse, Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel, at 6:56 p.m. Eastern Time.
Dr. Hayden, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016 and confirmed by a 74-18 Senate vote to a 10-year term, was the first woman and the first African American to serve in the position. Her tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the Library of Congress and expand public access, initiatives praised by Democrats and liberal advocacy groups.
The firing followed public criticism earlier Thursday from the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), a conservative nonprofit watchdog. The AAF accused Hayden of promoting “woke” policies, opposing President Trump, and allegedly endorsing gender ideology for children. After the termination, the group thanked the president publicly.
The Library of Congress, located near the U.S. Capitol, is the largest library in the world and houses the papers of numerous presidents and Supreme Court justices. Hayden’s supporters, including top congressional Democrats, voiced outrage at her removal. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised her as “a trailblazer,” while Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Sen. Martin Heinrich demanded answers from the administration.
Despite the backlash, the White House has not issued an official explanation for the termination. Principal Deputy Librarian Robert Newlen will serve as acting Librarian of Congress until further notice.
