Former President Donald Trump has unexpectedly fired Carla Hayden from her role as Librarian of Congress, continuing a pattern of removing federal officials perceived as unsupportive of his political agenda. Hayden, who made history as the first woman and the first African American to hold the position, was informed of her dismissal via email late Thursday from the White House’s Presidential Personnel Office.
Appointed in 2016 with a ten-year term set to expire in 2026, Hayden had recently come under fire from a conservative group, the American Accountability Foundation (AAF). The organization accused her of endorsing children’s books with progressive content and featuring works by critics of Trump. Just hours before the firing was announced, AAF posted on social media, labeling Hayden “woke” and accusing her of promoting content harmful to conservative values. They called for her immediate removal and replacement.
Hayden’s termination adds to a growing list of senior officials dismissed under Trump’s renewed effort to reshape federal institutions. On the same day, the acting head of FEMA was removed following his opposition to dismantling the agency, and several senior military leaders — including many top-ranking women — have also been ousted in recent months.
Democratic leaders reacted with outrage. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described Hayden as a “trailblazer and a public servant of the highest order.” Representative Rosa DeLauro criticized the firing as heartless and demanded a formal explanation. Representative Joseph Morelle called Hayden “an American hero” for her contributions to literacy and historic preservation.
As Librarian of Congress, Hayden was credited with modernizing the institution and expanding access to underserved communities, including initiatives to bring the Library’s vast resources online and into rural areas. The Library of Congress, located near the U.S. Capitol, houses an extensive collection of books, historical documents, and rare artifacts, including presidential papers and even a flute once owned by James Madison — famously played by musician Lizzo during a 2022 event organized by Hayden.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the decision, calling it “an unjust and disgraceful” act, and part of what he described as Trump’s broader campaign to restrict knowledge and rewrite American history. “The Library of Congress belongs to the people,” he said, vowing accountability.
Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico echoed that sentiment, saying Hayden’s firing marks a troubling new chapter in political interference with American libraries. “Dr. Hayden has spent her life ensuring access to information and knowledge for all people,” he said.
Following her dismissal, Principal Deputy Librarian Robert Newlen announced he would step in as acting librarian until further notice.
Hayden, reflecting on her life’s work during National Library Week, had recently highlighted the transformative power of libraries. “Libraries are the great equalizer,” she posted online. “They are opportunity centers for people from all walks of life, giving them the freedom to choose what information and inspiration means the most to them.”