President Donald Trump has abruptly fired Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, marking an unprecedented shakeup at the nation’s most prestigious library. A congressional source confirmed to opitanglobamedia News that Hayden was dismissed via an email sent Thursday by Trent Morse, deputy director of presidential personnel.
The email, obtained by OpitanglobaMedia News, stated: “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.” A Library of Congress official later confirmed Hayden’s dismissal in a brief statement, writing: “The White House informed Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden that she has been relieved of her position.”
Democratic Leaders Decry “Disgraceful” Decision
Hayden’s termination sparked swift backlash from Democratic leaders, who described the move as politically motivated and damaging to the institution’s independence. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the decision, saying, “The unjust decision to fire Dr. Hayden in an email sent by a random political hack is a disgrace and the latest in [President Trump’s] ongoing effort to ban books, whitewash American history, and turn back the clock.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the role of Librarian of Congress should be insulated from presidential whims. “This position should be appointed by a congressional commission, not by presidents that treat federal appointments like reality TV prizes,” Schumer asserted in a statement.
Carla Hayden:A Historic Tenure Comes to a Sudden End
Carla Hayden made history in 2016 when she became the first woman and the first African American to serve as Librarian of Congress. Her appointment was hailed as a significant milestone in American cultural leadership. Speaking to opitanglobamedia News in 2020, Hayden reflected on her journey: “Personally, being a person of color, it means so much because people who look like me were forbidden by law to learn to read. That means so much that here is a person of color leading the world’s largest library.”
Before assuming her role at the Library of Congress, Hayden served as CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland, from 1993 to 2016. During her tenure, she was widely credited with modernizing library services and expanding community outreach.
Calls for Reform of Appointment Process
In response to Carla Hayden’s dismissal, several lawmakers are calling for reforms to the appointment process for the Librarian of Congress. Rep. Joe Morelle, the ranking member on the House Committee on Administration, described the firing as an “ignorant decision” with far-reaching consequences. “This decision will impact America’s libraries, our copyrighted economic interests, and service to the American people by threatening support for Congress. His decision is a complete disgrace,” Morelle said.
Advocates and library associations have also voiced concern that political interference could undermine the library’s mission. Some are urging Congress to pass legislation ensuring greater protection for the role from partisan influence.
Unanswered Questions from the White House
As of press time, the White House has not publicly commented on the reasons behind Carla Hayden’s sudden firing. OpitanglobaMedia News reached out for clarification but received no response. The silence has fueled speculation about the administration’s motivations, particularly in light of recent culture war battles over book bans and historical narratives.
Meanwhile, staff at the Library of Congress expressed shock and dismay at the abrupt dismissal. “Dr. Hayden was an inspiring leader,” said one senior employee who requested anonymity. “This feels like a political purge, and we’re worried about what comes next.”
Hayden’s firing leaves a leadership vacuum at one of the nation’s oldest and most vital cultural institutions, as lawmakers and advocates brace for what many fear could be a turbulent transition.
