Trump Administration Dismisses First Black Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has reportedly dismissed Carla D. Hayden from her role as Librarian of Congress, according to The New York Times. Citing a spokesperson, the outlet reported the move on Thursday, sparking immediate political backlash.

Hayden made history in 2016 when she became the first woman and first African American to lead the Library of Congress. Appointed by Democratic President Barack Obama, her 10-year term was approved by the Senate, placing her in charge of one of the nation’s most revered institutions. As Librarian of Congress, she oversaw the library’s vast collections and shaped policies on access, digitization, and preservation.

The decision by the Trump administration to remove her has yet to be formally explained. Both the Library of Congress and the White House declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the firing, labeling it an “unjust” and “unprecedented assault on the American way of life.” He warned that there would be consequences for the administration’s actions.

Hayden was widely praised during her tenure for modernizing library services and expanding digital access to millions of historical documents and books. Her dismissal raises concerns about politicization in key cultural and educational roles.

The timing and legality of the firing are expected to be closely scrutinized, given the nature of her fixed term and Senate-confirmed appointment.

The removal of Carla Hayden underscores growing political tensions around control of U.S. institutions, particularly those tied to education, culture, and historical preservation.

This incident has ignited fresh debate about government overreach, cultural leadership, and the future independence of major public institutions.