Democrats erupt after report of Trump firing Librarian of Congress
Democratic leaders were outraged late Thursday after news broke that President Trump had abruptly fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. Hayden, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate in 2016, was the first woman and first African American to hold the position. Her term was set to expire next year.
The firing came in the form of an email from the White House’s Presidential Personnel Office, thanking Hayden for her service and informing her that her position was terminated effective immediately. This move sparked backlash from advocates who praised Hayden for her efforts to modernize the Library of Congress and make it more accessible through initiatives in rural communities and online.
Conservative advocacy group American Accountability Foundation had been critical of Hayden, accusing her of promoting children’s books with “radical” content and literary material authored by Trump opponents. They labeled her as “woke” and “anti-Trump” on social media, calling for her removal from the position.
Prominent Democratic leaders such as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer condemned Hayden’s firing. Jeffries described it as an “unjust decision” by Trump and part of his ongoing efforts to censor information and distort history. Schumer referred to Hayden as a “trailblazer” and demanded an explanation for her dismissal.
Other Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Sen. Martin Heinrich, also expressed outrage over the firing, with DeLauro calling it “callous” and Heinrich accusing Trump of escalating his attacks on America’s libraries.
Robert Newlen, the principal deputy librarian, was named as the acting librarian of Congress in Hayden’s absence. He assured colleagues that he would keep them informed as the situation developed.
This firing is part of a larger trend within the Trump administration of purging officials who do not align with the president’s agenda. Just one day prior, acting FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton was also fired after speaking out against dismantling the agency, as proposed by President Trump.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House and the Library of Congress for further details on Hayden’s firing. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and more.
