President Trump recently fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden via email, a move that has sparked outrage among supporters and politicians. Hayden, who was nominated by President Obama in 2016 and confirmed the following year, is notable for being the first woman and first Black American to lead the Library of Congress, the world’s largest library. This institution plays a crucial role in preserving millions of books, films, and manuscripts, and is home to the U.S. Copyright Office.
Critics, including Democratic Rep. Joe Morelle and Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey, denounced Trump’s decision as disgraceful, arguing that it undermines access to learning and the library’s mission. Hayden recently appeared before Congress to discuss a library modernization project experiencing delays and budget overruns. She has also led initiatives to increase representation of works from various communities, advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the library’s collections.
Trump’s history of targeting diversity efforts has raised concerns among many regarding his motives. New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich criticized the firing, highlighting the contrast between Trump’s stance on banning books and Hayden’s commitment to making knowledge accessible to all. The White House has not yet commented on Hayden’s dismissal, and reactions continue to pour in from various officials, emphasizing the significant implications of this decision for America’s libraries and the broader cultural landscape. The abrupt nature of her firing through an email has also drawn scrutiny, showcasing a lack of respect for her contributions to the nation’s literary and informational heritage.
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