WASHINGTON D.C. – May 12, 2025 – In a swift move, President Donald Trump has terminated Carla Hayden from her position as Librarian of Congress, continuing the administration’s pattern of removing federal officials deemed to be at odds with the president’s agenda. Hayden’s dismissal was communicated via an email from the White House Presidential Personnel Office late Thursday, as confirmed by documents obtained by The Associated Press.
Hayden, who was confirmed by the Senate in 2016, held the distinction of being the first woman and the first African American to serve as Librarian of Congress. The email notifying her of her termination 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.” A Library of Congress spokesperson verified that Hayden had been informed of her dismissal by the White House.
Hayden, whose 10-year term was slated to conclude next year, had recently faced criticism from the conservative advocacy group, the American Accountability Foundation. The group accused Hayden and other library leaders of promoting children’s books with “radical” content and literary works authored by individuals opposed to Trump’s policies. This dismissal underscores the ongoing tension between the administration and those perceived to be obstructing its objectives.