Carla Hayden Reveals Details of Ouster from Librarian of Congress Role

Washington, D.C. — Carla Hayden, the first woman and African American to serve as the Librarian of Congress, spoke out about her abrupt firing by the Trump administration in May. In her first interview on CBS News Sunday Morning, Hayden disclosed that she received only a 31-word email notification regarding her dismissal.

“No one has talked to me directly at all from the White House,” Hayden said. “I’ve received no communication directly, except for that one email. That’s the only communication.”

Hayden’s termination came amid political pressures from the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), a conservative group that had targeted her and other library leaders for allegedly promoting inappropriate content in children’s literature. Just hours before her firing was made public, the AAF used their X account to label Hayden as “woke” and “anti-Trump” and called for her dismissal.

The email notifying Hayden of her termination, sent on May 8, stated: “Carla, 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.” Asked if her firing ended with such a brief message, she replied, “That was it.”

Hayden highlighted that she was never informed of any concerns prior to the email notification. Her firing sparked outrage among Congressional Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called her a “trailblazer, a scholar, and a public servant of the highest order.” Representative Joseph Morelle described her as “an American hero.”

“Hayden has spent her entire career serving people – from helping kids learn to read to protecting some of our nation’s most precious treasures,” Morelle added. The Library of Congress is located across from the U.S. Capitol and has a vast collection of books, historical documents, and artifacts.

During her tenure, Hayden oversaw the archiving of significant materials, including allowing singer Lizzo to perform with a flute owned by President James Madison. Her leadership and dedication to the library have left a lasting impact.