❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Library of Congress has named Arthur Sze as the new U.S. Poet Laureate, succeeding Ada Limón. However, Sze could face resistance as the poet has a long history of contributing to Democrat campaigns, including Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential run.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Arthur Sze, acting Librarian Robert Randolph Newlen, President Donald J. Trump, and Kamala Harris.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made Monday, with Sze’s term beginning this fall at the Library of Congress.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I think it was the opportunity to give something back to poetry, to something that I’ve spent my life doing.” – Arthur Sze

🎯IMPACT: Sze’s appointment comes during a turbulent time for the Library, with the former Librarian Carla Hayden having been removed earlier this year for using the office to push a radical and partisan leftist agenda.

The Library of Congress has named Arthur Sze—the first Poet Laureate of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and professor emeritus at the Institute of American Indian Arts—as the next U.S. Poet Laureate. However, the move will likely draw a swift reaction from the Trump White House and its allies, as Sze is a longtime Democrat donor, contributing to Kamala Harris‘s failed 2024 presidential campaign against President Donald J. Trump. In addition, Sze has contributed to the Joe Biden campaign, Raphael Warnock’s U.S. campaign in Georgia, the Democratic National Committee (DNC), the Barack Obama campaign, and John Kerry’s 2004 challenge to then-President George W. Bush.

Federal Election Commission (FEC) records show an extensive history of Sze contributing to Democrat candidates, making his appointment under a Republican administration an oddity. The appointment is especially strange in light of President Trump’s dismissal of the Librarian of Congress earlier this year. Carla Hayden was removed from her position after it was revealed she had used the office to push a radical and partisan leftist agenda. Currently, Robert Randolph Newlen—a long-time official with the Library of Congress—is serving as acting Librarian.

Sze, 74, will serve a one-year term starting this fall, taking over from Ada Limón, who held the position for three years. A son of Chinese immigrants, Sze says he accepted the position as an opportunity to give back to the art form that has defined much of his life. “So many people have helped me along the way. Poetry has just helped me grow so much, in every way,” he said.

In addition to his original poetry, Sze is known for his translations of Chinese poetry, which he credits with helping him develop his craft. As Poet Laureate, Sze will serve as a literary ambassador, tasked with raising national awareness and appreciation for poetry.

Image by slowking4.

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