President Donald Trump fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, drawing an outcry from Democrats.
Hayden was fired by email on Thursday, according to a message from the White House’s Presidential Personnel Office, which the Associated Press viewed. She had led the library since being confirmed by the Senate in 2016.
“Carla,” the email began. “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 spokesperson for the for the Library of Congress confirmed the firing to the Associated Press.
“While President Trump wants to ban books and tell Americans what to read — or not to read at all, Dr. Hayden has devoted her career to making reading and the pursuit of knowledge available to everyone,” Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-MN) said.
“Tonight, President Trump fired a patriotic public servant. @LibnOfCongress has spent her entire career serving people—from helping kids learn to read to protecting some of our nation’s most precious treasures. She is an American hero,” Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY) said.
“President Trump’s ignorant decision will impact America’s libraries, our copyrighted economic interests, and service to the American people by threatening support for Congress. His decision is a complete disgrace,” he added.
The decision also had some supporters. The American Accountability Foundation praised the move, accusing her of promoting “radical” content in children’s books.
“The current #LibrarianOfCongress Carla Hayden is woke, anti-Trump and promotes trans-ing kids,” it said in a post on X. “It’s time to get her OUT and hire a new guy for the job.”