President Donald Trump has fired Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, just days after a conservative group criticized her for promoting liberal views. Hayden, who was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016, received an email on Thursday from Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel Trent Morse informing her of her immediate termination.
The American Accountability Foundation, a conservative watchdog organization, had recently called for her dismissal. They took issue with her stance on allowing minors access to certain books, which they deemed inappropriate. In a tweet celebrating the firing, the group expressed gratitude to Trump for removing what they described as a "woke" librarian.
Hayden’s removal comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to replace individuals they view as part of a "deep state" with those who align more closely with an "America First" agenda. Tom Jones, president of the American Accountability Foundation, stated that it was time to clear out those who do not support this vision.
Hayden’s tenure was already controversial. She was criticized in the past for her donations to Democratic candidates, including $3,000 to Obama’s campaigns. Additionally, she faced backlash in 2022 when the Library of Congress lent a historic crystal flute once owned by President James Madison to musician Lizzo for a performance.
Democrats have condemned the firing, arguing that it reflects an ongoing attack on libraries and intellectual freedom. New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich remarked that while Trump seeks to control what Americans can read, Hayden has dedicated her career to making literature accessible to all.
Hayden’s dismissal coincided with the firing of Cameron Hamilton, the acting director of FEMA, who was let go after expressing support for the agency’s continuation, contrary to Trump’s proposals to dismantle it.