Dr. Carla Hayden, who made history as the first African American woman to be appointed to lead the Library of Congress, was abruptly fired by President Trump on Thursday amid his continued purge of federal employees perceived to be in opposition to his agenda.
Hayden learned of her termination through a tersely worded email that arrived unexpectedly late Thursday night.
“Carla,” began the email from Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel Trent Morse. “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.”
Library employees were later notified of the dismissal in an email from Deputy Librarian Robert Newlen, who informed them that he’ll “assume the duties of acting Librarian of Congress until further instruction.”
The Library of Congress confirmed Hayden’s termination.
“Tonight, the White House informed Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, that she has been relieved of her position effective immediately,” a spokesperson said.
The email was also shared with congressional Democrats, who responded with outrage to the unexpected move.
“Enough is enough,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who called Hayden “a “trailblazer” and “a public servant of the highest order.”
The firing of Hayden is the latest in Trump’s ongoing attempts to dismantle DEI initiatives within government agencies.
Hayden had recently come under fire from the conservative advocacy group American Accountability Foundation, which accused her earlier on Thursday of promoting anti-Trump material and children’s books with “radical” content, while calling for her to be replaced.
Hayden became the 14th librarian of Congress when President Obama appointed her in 2016. A native of Tallahassee, Fla., she previously served as director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore for 23 years before her Senate confirmation.
She was the first librarian of Congress to occupy the position without a lifetime appointment in its 225-year history. Her 10-year tenure was set to end in 2026.
With News Wire Services