STATEMENT: President Trump Fires the Librarian of Congress and Now Congress Must Push Back
President Trump has crossed another dangerous line by abruptly firing Dr. Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress.
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This troubling and unprecedented action should alarm every American who values the independence of our cultural institutions and recognizes the role libraries play in a democratic society.
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Dr. Hayden, appointed in 2016, was the first woman and the first African American to serve as Librarian of Congress. Her leadership has been exemplary. She has brought integrity, transparency, and innovation to the Library's mission. From digitizing millions of records to expanding public access to the largest library in the world, Dr. Hayden's tenure has made the Library of Congress more relevant and responsive to the American people.
The White House delivered her sudden dismissal without cause or justification. It follows the unjustified firing of the Archivist of the United States in February. This pattern of political interference in our most trusted, nonpartisan institutions is outrageous and profoundly damaging.
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The Library of Congress is more than a collection of books. It is a legislative and public-facing support agency that includes the Copyright Office, the Congressional Research Service, and the Law Library of Congress. Each serves vital, nonpartisan roles for our government and the public. The Copyright Office protects the rights of creators and the integrity of the public domain. Congressional Research Service provides confidential, impartial analysis to Congress to inform legislation and oversight. The Law Library provides access to global legal resources for both lawmakers and the judiciary. If the position of Librarian of Congress is politicized, these essential offices are placed at risk of ideological capture, undermining their independence and their service to our democracy.
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The Joint Committee on the Library is the oldest continuing committee in Congress. Its responsibilities for overseeing the Library of Congress date back to 1806. This is a moment today for the Committee to exercise its duties. We urge Representative Bryan Steil, the Chair, to convene the Committee immediately and hold hearings into the dismissal of Dr. Hayden. The Librarian of Congress is a vital legislative branch position. Congress must act to preserve the independence of its own institutions from unchecked executive interference.
Dr. Hayden's dismissal is certainly not a personnel matter. The termination message gave no cause, but it does come on the heels of two successful ongoing lawsuits against the Trump administration to reopen the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Like the National Archives, the Library of Congress is meant to serve the nation, not the political or social agenda of any president. To see its independence threatened by executive overreach like this should send a chill down the spine of every member of Congress.
Dr. Hayden has served our country honorably. The Librarian of Congress should not be subject to arbitrary removal. Congress must now respond with courage.
John Chrastka
Executive Director
EveryLibrary