PULSE POINTS:
❓What Happened: President Donald J. Trump terminated Carla Hayden as the Librarian of Congress.
👥 Who’s Involved: President Trump, Carla Hayden, Trent Morse, Robert Newlen, congressional Democrats, and the American Accountability Foundation.
📍 Where & When: Washington, D.C.; termination announced on Thursday.
💬 Key Quote: “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.” – Trent Morse
⚠️ Impact: Democrats criticized the dismissal, claiming it undermines public service and could affect libraries nationwide.
IN FULL:
President Donald J. Trump has removed Carla Hayden from her position as the Librarian of Congress. The Obama appointee received an email informing her, “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump… your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service.” Robert Newlen, the Principal Deputy Librarian, informed library staff of the change, indicating he would temporarily assume the duties of the Librarian of Congress.
The American Accountability Foundation (AAF) had been calling for Hayden’s termination, writing in the hours before its announcement that she was “woke, anti-Trump, and promotes trans-ing kids.”
The first black person and the first woman to hold the position, her 10-year term had been set to expire next year. Her early removal has prompted strong reactions from Democrats. Rep. Joe Morelle of New York, a leading Democrat on the House Administration Committee, criticized the decision and plans to propose legislation ensuring Congress appoints future Librarians of Congress.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also condemned the move, with Schumer also pushing for Congress to usurp the executive’s control over the appointment process.