President Donald Trump dismissed Congressional Librarian Carla Hayden on Thursday, as confirmed by sources familiar with the situation to The Hill.
Hayden made history as the first woman and the first African American to hold the position of librarian in Congress.
A spokesperson for the library communicated via email to The Hill: “Tonight, the White House informed Congress’ Carla Hayden that her position has been terminated.”
Members of Congress from the Democratic Party expressed their disapproval of the administration’s action.
“Throughout her time in office, Dr. Hayden worked to make the Library of Congress accessible to the public, especially reaching out to rural communities and providing online access for all Americans,” stated Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., in a Thursday statement.
“President Trump seems intent on restricting what books people can read, but Dr. Hayden has committed her career to ensuring that knowledge and reading remain accessible to everyone,” the senator noted. “We stand with Dr. Hayden.”
In his press release, Heinrich shared the email Hayden received at 6:56 PM, informing her of her dismissal.
“Carla writes on behalf of President Donald J. Trump to inform you that your role as librarian in Congress is ending soon,” it stated.
Hayden, who has led the world’s largest library since her confirmation in 2016, faced criticism from the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), a conservative organization that targeted her specifically.
“The president and his administration have been commendably working to remove liberal influences from the federal government. It’s time to part ways with Carla Hayden and Silla Permatta, and refocus on America’s first agenda regarding intellectual property,” commented AAF President Tom Jones in a late April statement to the Daily Mail.
Hayden, nominated by former President Obama, was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 74-18 in 2016.
