President Donald Trump has abruptly fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, with her termination effective immediately. An email from Trent Morse, the deputy director of presidential personnel, announced the decision, which was also communicated to library employees by Principal Deputy Librarian Robert Newlen. Hayden, appointed by Barack Obama in 2016, was the first woman and first African American to hold the position, which is typically a lifetime appointment but was given a 10-year term following a 2015 law signed by Obama.
During her tenure, Hayden aimed to modernize the Library of Congress, providing significant improvements in systems and staff performance. Her departure comes shortly after she testified before Congress on the library’s budget and operations. Hayden’s firing sparked strong backlash from Democrats, with Rep. Joe Morelle calling it a targeted attack on a dedicated public servant and an American hero. He has proposed legislation to ensure the Librarian of Congress is appointed by Congress rather than the president.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also criticized the move, suggesting that the appointment should be handled by a Congressional commission to prevent politicization. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the dismissal as “ignorant,” citing its potential negative impact on American libraries and cultural heritage.
On the other hand, the conservative nonprofit American Accountability Foundation, which had recently focused on Hayden’s leadership, applauded her firing, labeling her as “woke.” This dismissal marks a significant shift in the leadership of the Library of Congress and raises concerns about the politicization of federal appointments.
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