President Donald Trump's decision to terminate Carla Hayden from her position as Librarian of Congress has sparked intense reactions from Democratic leaders and library advocates across the nation.

According to Fox News, Hayden received an abrupt dismissal via email from the White House's Presidential Personnel Office on Thursday, ending her historic tenure as the first woman and African American to hold the position.

The termination comes amid accusations from the conservative advocacy group American Accountability Foundation, which claimed Hayden promoted children's books containing "radical" content and literary material authored by Trump critics. The group had previously criticized her on social media platform X, labeling her as "woke" and "anti-Trump" just hours before her dismissal.

Democratic leaders condemn unexpected dismissal

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed strong disapproval of the termination, emphasizing Hayden's distinguished career and contributions to the institution. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut joined the chorus of Democratic opposition, demanding an explanation for what she described as a callous firing.

Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer praised Hayden's service, highlighting her role as a trailblazer in the position. He emphasized her scholarly achievements and dedication to public service throughout her career.

New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich, who oversees library funding, criticized the decision as an escalation in what he perceives as an attack on American libraries. He stressed Hayden's commitment to making knowledge accessible to all citizens.

Library leadership transition and institutional impact

Robert Newlen, the principal deputy librarian, has stepped in as acting librarian of Congress until further notice. In an internal email to colleagues, he promised to keep staff informed about the transition process.

The Library of Congress, under Hayden's leadership, has maintained its position as a crucial institution housing presidential papers, Supreme Court justice collections, and various historical artifacts. Her initiatives focused on modernizing the library's systems and expanding access to rural communities.

During her tenure, which began in 2016 following President Barack Obama's nomination and Senate confirmation, Hayden implemented various programs to make the library's vast resources more accessible online.

Broader administrative changes under Trump

The dismissal appears to be part of a larger pattern of administrative changes within federal agencies. Earlier on Thursday, the administration also removed Cameron Hamilton from his position as acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Hamilton's termination came shortly after he opposed Trump's proposal to dismantle FEMA during a congressional hearing. The timing of both dismissals suggests a broader effort to align federal leadership with the president's policy objectives. These personnel changes have raised concerns among Democratic lawmakers about the stability of federal institutions and their ability to maintain independence from political influence.

Next steps for America's largest library

Carla Hayden's termination as Librarian of Congress marks a significant shift in leadership at one of America's most prestigious cultural institutions. The abrupt dismissal has created uncertainty about the future direction of the Library of Congress, which holds vast collections of books, historical documents, and cultural artifacts essential to American heritage.

The controversy surrounding her removal highlights growing tensions between the Trump administration and federal institutional leadership, particularly concerning issues of diversity and educational content. As Robert Newlen assumes temporary leadership, questions remain about the long-term impact on the library's modernization efforts and accessibility initiatives introduced during Hayden's tenure.