Trump Fires Librarian of Congress Over DEI Initiatives

President Donald Trump abruptly fired Dr. Carla Hayden, the first woman and first Black person to serve as Librarian of Congress, before her 10-year term ended. Hayden, appointed by President Obama in 2016, was known for diversifying the Library’s collections and leading modernization projects. The Trump administration cited criticism of Hayden for promoting 'radical' content and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which are being targeted for removal across the federal government. The decision drew sharp condemnation from Democrats including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Ed Markey, who called the move callous and unjust. The White House has not elaborated on the reasons for the firing, as library advocates and lawmakers decry it as an unprecedented assault on American cultural and knowledge institutions.