On Thursday, May 8, President Trump made headlines by terminating the appointment of Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. This controversial move is part of a broader strategy by the White House to remove individuals from federal positions who are perceived as being opposed to the president’s policies and agenda. Such actions have raised concerns about the integrity of federal institutions and the implications for those who serve within them.
Hayden learned of her dismissal through a brief and impersonal email from the Presidential Personnel Office, a communication that many interpreted as lacking the respect due to someone in her esteemed position.
The email began simply with “Carla,” and proceeded to inform her that her role as Librarian of Congress had been terminated immediately. The lack of courtesy in the message upset many observers, as it ended with a perfunctory “Thank you for your service,” which felt inadequate given her significant contributions to the Library of Congress and the public.
Appointed by President Obama in 2016, Carla Hayden made history as the first woman and the first African American to hold the position of Librarian of Congress. Her tenure was set to continue until next year, marking a commendable 10 years in office dedicated to expanding access to the nation’s vast library resources.
The abrupt termination of Hayden ignited a wave of outrage among congressional Democrats. Senate Democratic Leader Charles E. Schumer from New York stated, “Enough is enough,” expressing how Hayden’s contributions as a “trailblazer, a scholar, and a public servant of the highest order” deserved recognition rather than dismissal.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) also condemned the firing, labeling it an unjust action by President Trump. He criticized the manner in which the decision was communicated, referring to it as a disgrace and part of a troubling trend aimed at stifling free access to information, rewriting American history, and undermining public discourse.
Following Hayden’s dismissal, Robert Newlen, the principal deputy librarian, announced that he would temporarily step in as the acting Librarian of Congress until further directives were issued. In his communication to staff, he reassured them of his commitment to keeping everyone updated during this transitional period.
In a previous shake-up, Trump had also dismissed Deborah F. Rutter from her role as president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This decision followed Trump’s own announcement of his election as chair of the Kennedy Center, further illustrating his willingness to reshape key cultural institutions.
The Library of Congress stands as the largest library globally, boasting an impressive collection of over 10 million items. Its mission is to acquire, preserve, and provide access to the creative record of the United States, encompassing everything from films and television programs to rare books, prints, and audio recordings. Notably, one of its prized artifacts includes a historic flute once owned by President James Madison, which gained attention after a 2022 performance by Lizzo that was organized under Hayden’s leadership.
The role of the Librarian of Congress encompasses the oversight of two prestigious awards: the National Recording Registry and the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Established in 2001, the National Recording Registry competes with the Recording Academy’s Grammy Hall of Fame for recognition as one of the most esteemed institutional awards for classic recordings. Meanwhile, the Gershwin Prize, instituted in 2007, honors living artists who have made exceptional contributions to the realm of popular music.
The Gershwin Prize is often regarded as “the nation’s highest award for influence, impact, and achievement in popular music.” While organizations like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame may contest this claim, the Gershwin Prize has quickly gained a reputation for prestige within the music community.
The latest class of inductees into the National Recording Registry was announced on April 9, with the Library yet to reveal the recipient for the 2025 Gershwin Prize. However, it was confirmed that Elton John and Bernie Taupin were selected as the honorees for the 2024 award, a significant recognition of their contributions to music.
During Carla Hayden’s tenure, notable Gershwin Prize recipients included legendary artists like Smokey Robinson (2016), Tony Bennett (2017), Gloria & Emilio Estefan (2019), Garth Brooks (2020), Lionel Richie (2022), Joni Mitchell (2023), and the duo of John & Taupin. The selection criteria for these honors focus on artistic merit, the influence of music in fostering cultural understanding, the impact on audiences, and the inspiration of future generations of musicians.
According to the Library of Congress website, the [Gershwin Prize] honoree is chosen by the Librarian of Congress in collaboration with a board comprised of scholars, producers, performers, songwriters, and music specialists. This rigorous selection process ensures that the award recognizes truly impactful contributions to the music landscape.
Additionally, the Librarian of Congress plays a crucial role in selecting the 25 titles each year for induction into the National Recording Registry. As outlined by the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, this selection is made with advice from the National Recording Preservation Board and focuses on titles that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and must be at least 10 years old.
In her final announcement regarding the last group of National Recording Registry inductees during her leadership, Hayden remarked, “These are the sounds of America — our wide-ranging history and culture. The National Recording Registry is our evolving nation’s playlist.”
