Latest news with #DrCarlaHayden
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump Just Fired the Librarian of Congress, Here's Why Black People Should Care
In just over 100 days, we've seen President Donald Trump work overtime to erase every ounce of cultural and racial diversity from our government institutions, including threatening to end funding to the National Museum of African American History. His latest move will impact the world's largest library, as he fired Dr. Carla D. Hayden – the first African American and the first woman to serve as the head of the Library of Congress – on May 8. Dr. Hayden was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016 and had just one year left on her term. But according to the White House, she was just a little too woke for Trump to let her finish the job. '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,' said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. And while you may not be shocked by anything that comes out of the White House anymore, the news of Dr. Hayden's firing got lots of backlash from those who are concerned that Trump's decisions will erase all of the progress people of color have made in this country. Here just a couple of the reasons why Black people should care about Dr. Carla Hayden's firing. The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with a diverse collection of books, photographs, newspapers and maps from various periods throughout history. We've been covering conservative's increasing attempts to ban books by Black, Latino and LGBTQ authors in schools and libraries for the past several years. Given the chance to appoint his own librarian, President Trump and his supporters could have a greater influence on the diversity of materials available. 'Donald Trump's unjust decision to fire Dr. Hayden in an email sent by a random political hack is a disgrace and the latest in his ongoing effort to ban books, whitewash American history and turn back the clock,' Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement. While Democrats are currently in the minority in Congress, they are doing everything they can to keep the MAGA movement from completely steamrolling over democracy. But despite what Donald Trump might have you believe, they can't fight the good fight if their case is not on point. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is an important part of the Library of Congress and a primary source of materials that help keep our elected officials up to date and prepared for any legislative debate. Members of Congress also frequently use the Law Library of Congress which serves as a source of foreign law research. We can only imagine what a Trump-appointed Librarian of Congress might do control access to this valuable source of information. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
CBS News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Controvery sparks after Trump fires Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden
Reaction is mounting nationwide following former President Donald Trump's sudden dismissal of Dr. Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, on Thursday. Dr. Hayden, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016, was the first woman and Black American to hold the prestigious post. Her firing, delivered via a brief email from the White House Presidential Personnel Office, has shocked political leaders, cultural figures, and her former colleagues in Baltimore. "To be dismissed in such a quick manner — it was, in my opinion, disrespectful," said Christine Espenshade, Board Chair of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, where Hayden previously served as CEO. Hayden's appointment marked a milestone in American history. During her 2016 confirmation, she reflected on the personal significance of the role, saying, "As a descendant of people who were denied the right to read, to now have the opportunity to serve and lead the institution that is the national symbol of knowledge is a historic moment." Espenshade praised Hayden's contributions at both the national and local levels, stating, "She's done such great work that has impacted millions, literally millions of people, and we hope that she is proud of that." On Capitol Hill, lawmakers condemned the firing. Rep. Johnny Olszewski (D-Md.) called the move "a disgraceful disservice to all Americans," while Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) labeled it "vindictive" and "petty." During her tenure, Hayden modernized the Library of Congress, expanded access to digital resources, and elevated its role in preserving American culture. She also oversaw the U.S. Copyright Office and selected several U.S. Poets Laureate. With a year remaining in her 10-year term, Hayden's unexpected removal leaves significant projects unfinished and raises questions about the political motivations behind the decision. Still, her former colleagues in Baltimore say her legacy will endure. "Our entire board and library community is in shock given the dedication that Dr. Hayden has shown to libraries across the country and obviously, the Library of Congress," Espenshade said. "We are really disappointed."
