U.S. President Donald Trump has abruptly fired the first woman Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, multiple outlets reported, drawing sharp criticism from Democratic leaders.
Trump terminated Hayden on Thursday, in an email obtained by U.S. outlets that informed Hayden she has been fired “effective immediately.” Her 10-year term was due to expire next year, but in recent days, she was targeted by a conservative advocacy group for going against Trump’s policies.
Trump Terminates First Black Librarian of Congress
News correspondent Scott MacFarlane said a “Trump aide” delivered the news to Hayden “via short email statement.”
A spokesperson for the Library of Congress confirmed that Hayden, the first individual of African-American descent to occupy the role, was “relieved of her position” Thursday night, but no further comments were provided.
In the email sent by Deputy Librarian Robert Newlen to employees and obtained by several U.S. news outlets, it was revealed that Newlen will replace Hayden as the acting Librarian of Congress until further notice.
Hayden was nominated for the role by former President Barack Obama and she was sworn into office in September 2016.
Dems Slam Trump’s Abrupt Move
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer expressed frustration over Trump’s decision. “Enough is enough,” he said, adding that Hayden was “a public servant of the highest order.”
Rep. Joe Morelle of New York said Trump’s “ignorant decision” will have an effect on American libraries and the country’s “copyrighted economic interests.”
Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts said Trump’s firing of Hayden, whom the Democratic senator called his “dear friend,” was “disgraceful.”
Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland called out Trump for his “outrageous, politically-motivated” decision. “The Library of Congress belongs to the American people – NOT to Trump,” the senator wrote.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said Hayden’s firing “is an outrage and a big loss,” noting how the former Librarian of Congress was highly respected by both Democrats and Republicans.
Sen. Alex Padilla of California said it was “troubling” how the U.S. president allegedly carried out an “assault on the legislative branch of government” by suddenly removing Hayden from the position. He also vowed to fulfill his role “to confirm a new experienced and qualified Librarian Congress – not a political pawn of the president.”
Trump has yet to respond to the Democratic backlash over his decision.
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