The abrupt removal of the nation’s first Black Librarian of Congress last week has sparked calls for a federal investigation into possible interference by the executive branch.
Dr. Carla Hayden, appointed in 2016 by President Barack Obama and later confirmed by the Senate, was informed of her dismissal on May 8 via an email from the White House’s Presidential Personnel Office, according to a report by the Associated Press. She had served nearly a decade as the 14th Librarian of Congress.
“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 Library of Congress confirmed to the Associated Press that the White House had communicated Hayden’s dismissal directly. However, the legality of a president unilaterally terminating the Librarian of Congress—an office traditionally appointed for a 10-year term—is unclear and now under scrutiny.
In response, a group of Democratic lawmakers is requesting an investigation into whether the executive branch engaged in inappropriate communications with the Library of Congress, including attempts to access protected information.
“The abrupt firing of Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden raises serious concerns that the executive branch is improperly targeting the Library and its employees with adverse employment actions and inappropriate requests for information including, but not limited to, confidential communications between congressional offices and the Library’s various service units,” stated a letter obtained by The Baltimore Sun.
The letter was sent to Library of Congress Inspector General Kimberly Benoit by House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle of New York. It was co-signed by Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Adriano Espaillat, Terri Sewell, Norma Torres, and Julie Johnson. The House Administration Committee holds oversight authority over the Library of Congress.
The lawmakers requested an investigation into whether the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) or others within the executive branch sought access to data held by the Library. Of particular concern are communications between the Congressional Research Service and congressional offices.
The firing came hours after the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), a conservative advocacy group, publicly criticized Hayden on its official X account (formerly Twitter).
“The current #LibrarianOfCongress Carla Hayden is woke, anti-Trump, and promotes transing kids,” the post read. “It’s time to get her OUT and hire a new guy for the job!”
Hayden’s removal followed that post. According to the Associated Press, it is unclear whether the timing was coincidental or connected.
In a statement to the press, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the decision, saying, “Dr. Hayden did not fit the needs of the American people. There were quite concerning things that she had done at the Library of Congress in the pursuit of DEI and putting inappropriate books in the library for children, and we don’t believe that she was serving the interests of the American taxpayer well, so she has been removed from her position, and the president is well within his rights to do that.”
The Illinois Library Association (ILA) condemned the firing, issuing a statement on May 9 that read, “The Illinois Library Association (ILA) is deeply saddened and disappointed regarding the unjust termination of Dr. Carla Hayden as the Librarian of Congress.”
“ILA and the ILA Executive Board stand in solidarity with library leaders, professionals, and advocates across the nation in honoring Dr. Hayden, and thank her for her unwavering dedication and commitment to the freedom to read and her belief in the transformative power, wonder, and democratic promise of libraries.”
Since returning to office, President Trump has rescinded several DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) policies and removed multiple department heads who reportedly did not align with his administration’s priorities. Among those dismissed were officials from diverse backgrounds, including Dr. Hayden.
Dr. Hayden has deep ties to Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University, followed by a master’s and doctorate in library science from the University of Chicago’s Graduate Library School. Her professional journey began in 1973 as a library associate and children’s librarian with the Chicago Public Library.
From 1979 to 1982, she served as young adult services coordinator. Between 1982 and 1987, she worked as library services coordinator for the Museum of Science and Industry. She later returned to the Chicago Public Library, becoming deputy commissioner and chief librarian from 1991 to 1993.
Hayden went on to serve as CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, where she oversaw a $112 million renovation of the central branch and led $40 million in improvements across the 22-branch system.
At the Library of Congress, Hayden advanced a major information technology modernization effort. In 2021, she launched the “Of the People” initiative, funded by a $15 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, to broaden public engagement and expand the Library’s collections to better represent historically underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian American, and Pacific Islander Americans.
The White House has not announced a successor to Dr. Hayden.