Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, fired by Donald Trump administration; Todd Blanche named interim Library of Congress head
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Dr. Carla Hayden is among the prominent figures of color being scrutinized in the Trump administration’s campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion within American cultural organizations.

Dr. Hayden was appointed in 2016 by then-President Barack Obama to modernize the Library of Congress by digitizing its collection.

The Library of Congress, apart from serving as the primary research facility for the U.S. Congress, holds an enormous collection of books, films, recordings, and manuscripts, positioning it among the largest libraries globally.

Cindy Hohl is the president of the American Library Association, which is headquartered in Chicago.

“She has done such an exemplary effort in making sure that everyone understands what is accessible in that collection,” Hohl said.

Hayden held that same position in 2003. She had one year left in her term as librarian of Congress but was fired last week. A Trump administration official sent her a two-sentence email, addressing her as Carla.

“We felt she 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,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

The unexpected move infuriated Congressional Democrats.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Illinois) said in a statement, “There is not a shred of evidence that Dr. Hayden deserves to be fired. The Librarian’s termination is yet another example of President Trump’s cruel attack on the American people’s world-class cultural institutions and dedicated public servants.”

Hohl says libraries are under attack, but librarians will stand firm.

“We are here to help everyone have equal access to credible sources. And that should be considered a good thing,” Hohl said.

Hohl says she hopes legislators will investigate Hayden’s firing and hold hearings.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has been named interim librarian of Congress.

Blanche was named the No. 2 Justice Department official after serving as Trump’s criminal defense attorney in two cases brought by the department during President Joe Biden’s administration. He is a former federal prosecutor who was a key figure on Trump’s defense team in his New York hush money trial, which ended in a conviction on 34 felony counts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
NY appeals court throws out $500M penalty against Trump in Letitia James civil case

New York Appeals Court Overturns $500 Million Fine Against Trump in Letitia James Civil Lawsuit

An appellate court has dismissed the $500 million civil fraud penalty imposed…
Trump admin assigns military attorneys to prosecute DC crimes amid federal crackdown

Trump Administration Deploys Military Lawyers to Prosecute DC Crimes During Federal Crackdown

Twenty attorneys from the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, which is the…
Jeanine Pirro says people who carry rifles, shotguns in DC will no longer face felony charges

Jeanine Pirro Claims Possessing Rifles and Shotguns in DC Won’t Be a Felony Anymore

Federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., have decided to stop pursuing felony charges…
A waitress struggles to hold onto a patio umbrella during a strong windstorm.

Terrifying Tornado Strikes Spanish Resort, Sending Café Furniture Flying During Unusual ‘Satan’s Storm’

THIS is the terrifying moment a tornado suddenly swept away tables and…
More Chicago-area families share grave grievances involving Elmo's Tombstone Service over missing, erroneous headstones

Chicago Families Report Numerous Issues with Elmo’s Tombstone Service, Including Missing and Incorrect Headstones

CHICAGO (WLS) — Families are grappling with unresolved grief as the graves…
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol waving from a car.

Worries Grow for Princess in Three-Year Coma Battling Serious Health Issues After Severe Infection

THERE are fears for a Thai princess after the royal palace shared…

Investigations launched at Colorado funeral home after hidden door reveals decomposing bodies

DENVER (AP) — Colorado authorities announced on Thursday that they are investigating…
Judge reduces Menendez brothers' murder sentences

Menendez Brothers Aim for Parole in 1989 Parental Murder Case

But even if the board grants their parole, it could be months…
California AG takes stance on Menendez brothers prosecutor staying on case amid resentencing battle

Menendez Brothers Face Parole Board as Gov. Newsom Weighs Release Decision

Erik and Lyle Menendez will soon face California’s parole board, marking a…
Orland Park family campaigns for Food and Drug Administration over approval of drug to treat Barth syndrome, rare genetic disease

Orland Park Family Advocates for FDA Approval of Drug to Treat Barth Syndrome, a Rare Genetic Disease

A baby boy in the Chicago vicinity is contending with a rare…
Israel says UN misleads world as Gaza aid stolen and diverted from civilians

Israel Accuses UN of Misleading After Gaza Aid Allegedly Stolen and Not Reaching Civilians

As the debate heats up over the delivery of aid into Gaza,…
Teen arrested in Nassau County cyberbullying case involving threats on TikTok

Teen Detained in Nassau County for TikTok Cyberbullying and Threats

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla — The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office reported that earlier…