President Donald Trump has dismissed Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden, sparking outrage among top House Democrats who accuse the former administration of undermining independent federal institutions.
The firing, which occurred on Thursday, was confirmed by congressional sources and a separate individual familiar with the decision, who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of a formal announcement. No official reason was given by Trump’s office for the sudden removal.
Dr. Hayden, who made history as the first woman and the first African American to lead the Library of Congress, was widely respected for her leadership focused on accessibility, modernization, and the digitization of public archives.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued a sharp rebuke, calling Hayden’s firing “callous” and demanding a clear explanation from the Trump administration.
“Dr. Hayden’s tenure has been marked by a steadfast commitment to accessibility, modernization, and the democratization of knowledge,” DeLauro said in a statement. “Her dismissal is not just an affront to her historic service but a direct attack on the independence of one of our most revered institutions.”