Overview of the Dismissal

On May 8, 2020, President Donald Trump terminated Carla Hayden’s position as Librarian of Congress, marking a significant shift in federal leadership. This decision came as part of a broader effort by the administration to restructure government roles deemed unsupportive of Trump’s objectives.

Hayden received her notice through a brief email from the Presidential Personnel Office. The correspondence, attributed directly to President Trump, stated:

“Carla, 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.”

Background on Carla Hayden

Appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016, Hayden made history as the first woman and first African American to serve as Librarian of Congress. With a decade-long term set to conclude in 2021, her tenure included substantial contributions to the nation’s literary and cultural landscape.

Responses from Lawmakers

The dismissal incited considerable backlash from congressional Democrats. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York described Hayden as a “trailblazer, a scholar, and a public servant of the highest order.” He expressed staunch opposition to her firing, stating, “Enough is enough.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also condemned the decision, labeling it an emblem of Trump’s ongoing efforts to “ban books, whitewash American history, and turn back the clock.”

Acting Leadership and Historical Context

In response to the sudden change in leadership, Robert Newlen, the principal deputy librarian, announced he would assume the role of acting Librarian of Congress until further notice. He reassured colleagues of transparent communication moving forward.

This incident is not isolated; earlier this year, President Trump removed Deborah F. Rutter from her position as president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, showing a pattern of reshuffling key cultural figures.

The Importance of the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress stands as the largest library globally, with a collection exceeding 10 million items. It plays a crucial role in acquiring, preserving, and providing access to various cultural artifacts, including films, music, and rare books. Among its famous items is a flute once owned by President James Madison, notably played by Lizzo during a performance in 2022.

Awards and Recognitions

As Librarian, Hayden was responsible for overseeing significant awards such as the National Recording Registry and the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. This latter accolade has gained prominence as a leading award recognizing contributions in the field of popular music.

Under her stewardship, recent Gershwin Prize honorees included icons like Smokey Robinson and Joni Mitchell, selected based on artistic merit and cultural influence. The National Recording Registry also reflects America’s diverse cultural heritage through its annual selections.

In her final remarks about the National Recording Registry, Hayden noted, “These are the sounds of America — our wide-ranging history and culture. The National Recording Registry is our evolving nation’s playlist.”