The White House has removed Carla Hayden from her position as Librarian of Congress. While the exact reason for her removal remains unclear, several congressional Democrats have criticized President Donald Trump, accusing him of targeting books. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries labeled Hayden’s termination as “a disgrace” and part of Trump’s alleged efforts to ban books and distort American history. Hayden, the first woman and Black person to hold the position, still had about a year and a half remaining in her 10-year term. The Library of Congress, known as the world’s largest library and the primary research arm of the US Congress, houses over 178 million items, including books, photographs, musical instruments, and ancient artifacts. During her tenure, Hayden aimed to make the library’s contents accessible to a broader audience beyond the physical building in Washington, DC. Notably, in 2022, she allowed singer Lizzo to play President James Madison’s 200-year-old crystal flute at a concert. Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich commended Hayden for her efforts to make the Library of Congress inclusive and accessible to all Americans, contrasting her dedication to knowledge with what he perceives as Trump’s desire to restrict reading material.