Latest news with #TrumpFiring
New York Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
Smithsonian's Reaction to Trump's Firing of Its Museum Director: Silence
Since President Trump announced he was dismissing the head of the National Portrait Gallery on Friday, the Smithsonian has weighed whether to challenge Mr. Trump on his legal authority to fire a museum director employed by the institution. At an emergency meeting on Monday, the Smithsonian's board and Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III discussed how to respond to the president's announcement that he had fired Kim Sajet, the longtime director of the National Portrait Gallery, which is part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. But so far, the Smithsonian, which is not an executive branch agency, has been silent on whether it will dispute a presidential announcement that is distinctly at odds with how the institution has long regarded its independence in hiring and firing. The Smithsonian has declined to comment. When Mr. Trump announced the firing on social media, he called Ms. Sajet 'a highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI, which is totally inappropriate for her position.' And the White House has compiled a list of grievances that it says led to the president's action, outlining what it described as acts of partisanship and support of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, including public comments about racial and gender inequality in America. The list, which was provided to The New York Times, includes Ms. Sajet being one of four authors of a book called 'The Obama Portraits' and her social media posts with prominent Democrats such as Hillary Clinton and Barack and Michelle Obama; one post shows Ms. Sajet attending a reception at Kamala Harris's home when Ms. Harris was vice president. Some of those activities were part of Ms. Sajet's official duties, but the White House also referred to her political campaign contributions of $3,982.40 to Democrats, including Mrs. Clinton and Joseph R. Biden Jr. The Smithsonian's leadership is being forced to review, not so much the president's rationale, but his authority to make such a high-level personnel change. If the president has the power to replace Ms. Sajet, he would seem to have similar sway over the executives who operate the institution's 20 other museums, plus libraries, research centers and the National Zoo. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Bloomberg
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
The Library of Congress Shake-up Endangers Copyrights
In the wake of President Donald Trump's firing of the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, members of the House and Senate expressed outrage at this apparent infringement on their domain. It worsened matters when a Department of Justice official was appointed as acting librarian. The Library of Congress — as the name would suggest — is not a plaything of the president; it serves the legislative branch. All true. Nonetheless, framing this as a tussle between two branches of government ignores the fact that Trump also fired Shira Perlmutter, who oversees the Copyright Office within the library. That move highlights the outsized role the institution plays in the nation's intellectual life — and the danger posed by the firings.
Bloomberg
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Trump Fires US Copyright Office Chief Perlmutter, Politico Says
President Donald Trump fired the top official at the US Copyright Office on Saturday, Politico reported. The termination of Shira Perlmutter on Saturday came two days after Trump fired the head of the Library of Congress, which has oversight of the copyright office, the report said. The White House did not respond to Politico's request for comment on Perlmutter's firing.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, Who Oversaw National Recording Registry & Gershwin Prize, Fired by President Trump
President Trump fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden on Thursday (May 8) as the White House continues to purge the federal government of those it sees as opposed to the president and his agenda. Hayden was notified of her dismissal in a curt email from the Presidential Personnel Office. More from Billboard Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter Fired Ahead of Previously-Announced Exit (Updated) 'The Judd Family: Truth Be Told' - How to Watch the TV Special Online With Philo 15 Makeup Products From Amazon's Summer Beauty Haul Event Worth Your Time '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.' Hayden had been appointed to the post by President Obama in 2016 and had been confirmed by the Senate. She was the first woman and the first African American to serve in that post. Her 10-year term was set to expire next year. Hayden's firing angered congressional Democrats. 'Enough is enough,' said Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York, who called Hayden 'a 'trailblazer, a scholar, and a public servant of the highest order.' House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) also blasted the firing. '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,' Jeffries said. Robert Newlen, the principal deputy librarian, said he would serve as acting librarian of Congress 'until further instruction. I promise to keep everyone informed,' he wrote to colleagues. In February, Trump fired Deborah F. Rutter as president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, following his announcement that he was elected as Kennedy Center chair. Rutter had served in that position since 2014. The Library of Congress is the world's largest library, home to more than 10 million collection items. The library says its holdings constitute 'the creative record of the United States.' It acquires, preserves and provides access to the world's largest collection of films, television programs, radio broadcasts and sound recordings. It also has collections of rare books, prints and photographs, as well valuable artifacts, such as a flute owned by President James Madison, which Lizzo played in a widely-publicized (and, in some quarters, controversial) 2022 performance arranged by Hayden. The library is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. The Librarian of Congress oversees two high-profile awards — the National Recording Registry and the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The National Recording Registry, which dates to 2001, vies with the Recording Academy's Grammy Hall of Fame as the most prestigious institutional award for classic recordings. Established in 2007, the Gershwin Prize honors living musical artists for exceptional contributions in the field of popular song. The Library calls the Gershwin Prize 'the nation's highest award for influence, impact and achievement in popular music.' The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Recording Academy might argue with that, but it has definitely become one of the most prestigious awards — and relatively quickly. The most recent class of National Registry inductees was announced on April 9. The Library has not yet announced the 2025 recipient of the Gershwin Prize. Elton John and Bernie Taupin were announced as the 2024 recipients on Jan. 30, 2024. Gershwin Prize honorees during Hayden's tenure were Smokey Robinson (2016), Tony Bennett (2017), Gloria & Emilio Estefan (2019), Garth Brooks (2020), Lionel Richie (2022), Joni Mitchell (2023) and John & Taupin. Criteria for selection include artistic merit; influence in promoting music as a vehicle of cultural understanding; impact and achievement in entertaining and informing audiences; and inspiring new generations of musicians. According to the Library of Congress site: 'The [Gershwin Prize] honoree is selected by the Librarian of Congress in consultation with a board of scholars, producers, performers, songwriters and music specialists.' The Librarian of Congress also takes the lead role in selecting the 25 titles each year that are inducted into the National Recording Registry. According to the site: 'Under the terms of the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, the Librarian of Congress, with advice from the National Recording Preservation Board, selects 25 titles each year that are 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant' and are at least 10 years old.' In announcing what turn out to be the final batch of National Recording Registry inductions under her tenure, Hayden said: 'These are the sounds of America — our wide-ranging history and culture. The National Recording Registry is our evolving nation's playlist.' Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
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."
