On May 9, 2025, President Donald Trump dismissed Carla D. Hayden from her position as Librarian of Congress, a role she had held since her appointment by President Barack Obama in 2016. Hayden was notable for being the first woman and first African American to lead the Library of Congress. Her 10-year term, which required Senate confirmation, was terminated prematurely.

The White House confirmed the dismissal, citing 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 materials deemed inappropriate for children in the Library’s collection.

The decision has drawn criticism from Democratic leaders. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer described it as part of a broader campaign to undermine democratic institutions, while House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries labeled the firing as “unjust” and warned of impending accountability for what he described as an “unprecedented assault on the American way of life.”

As of now, neither the Library of Congress nor the White House has provided further comments on the matter.

Source: Reuters