Wafric News – May 9, 2025

In a move that has ignited sharp criticism from lawmakers and advocates of free access to information, the Trump administration has fired Carla Hayden from her position as Librarian of Congress, a post she had held since 2016. The decision was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Library of Congress on Thursday, though the White House has not provided a clear explanation for the dismissal.

Carla Hayden, a trailblazer as the first woman and the first Black person to lead the nation’s largest library, had only 18 months remaining on her 10-year term. Her firing has immediately drawn a backlash, particularly from Democratic lawmakers, who have accused President Donald Trump of attempting to interfere with the nation’s cultural institutions.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was among the first to respond, calling the termination a “disgrace.” He linked the move to Trump’s broader agenda, asserting that it was part of a concerted effort to “ban books, whitewash American history, and turn back the clock.”

In a similar vein, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed concern that the firing was part of Trump’s ongoing campaign to “dismantle the guardrails of our democracy” and to target public servants who do not align with his political agenda.

The White House has yet to respond to the growing criticism or provide any official reasoning for the abrupt removal.

Carla Hayden, who assumed the role of Librarian of Congress in September 2016, was celebrated for her innovative approach to making the Library of Congress more accessible. Under her leadership, the library launched several initiatives aimed at bringing its vast collection of resources to people across the country, particularly in rural communities where access to cultural and educational materials can be limited.

As the nation’s chief librarian, Hayden spearheaded the digitization of Library of Congress holdings, expanding access to historical records, books, photographs, and even ancient artifacts. Her efforts made the library’s treasures available to people around the world, often through online platforms.

Hayden’s tenure also gained attention for moments that symbolized her commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. In 2022, she made headlines by allowing pop star Lizzo to perform onstage with President James Madison’s 200-year-old crystal flute during a concert in Washington, D.C.

Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico praised Hayden’s efforts, describing her work as pivotal in bringing the Library of Congress “to the people.” Heinrich commended Hayden for her outreach initiatives, which made the library's resources accessible not just in Washington but to Americans nationwide, both in person and online.

Heinrich also criticized President Trump, contrasting his efforts to “ban books” with Hayden’s lifelong commitment to expanding access to knowledge. “Dr. Hayden has devoted her career to making reading and the pursuit of knowledge available to everyone,” Heinrich said. “Be like Dr. Hayden.”

Carla Hayden’s firing comes at a time when issues surrounding access to information, censorship, and public institutions have been highly contentious in the U.S. Under her leadership, the Library of Congress became a more open and inclusive resource, striving to bridge gaps in public knowledge and ensure that the nation’s cultural heritage was shared with all.

Her dismissal raises questions about the future direction of the Library of Congress and whether it will continue to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity under new leadership. For now, the abrupt firing serves as yet another flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over the role of government in shaping cultural and educational institutions.


By WafricNews Politics Desk.