President Donald Trump’s abrupt firing of Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, via email, has sparked outrage among her supporters. Hayden’s dismissal was swiftly criticized by lawmakers such as Rep. Joe Morelle and Sen. Ed Markey, who denounced Trump’s decision as ignorant and a disgraceful attack on the Library of Congress, an institution vital for providing equal access to learning.

Appointed by former President Barack Obama in 2016, Hayden made history as the first woman and first Black American to lead the Library of Congress, overseeing the preservation of millions of books, films, and manuscripts. Her termination followed her appearance before a Congressional committee regarding a library modernization project plagued by cost overruns and delays.

Having worked with Obama at the Chicago Public Library, Hayden championed initiatives like “Of the People” to diversify the library’s collections with works from marginalized communities. Trump’s firing of Hayden is seen as part of his broader opposition to diversity and inclusion efforts, with critics like Sen. Martin Heinrich condemning the President’s attempt to control reading materials.

The manner in which Hayden was dismissed, through an email sent late in the evening, has drawn further criticism for its lack of respect and transparency. The White House has yet to provide a statement on the firing, leaving Hayden’s supporters and library advocates questioning the motivations behind Trump’s decision and its implications for the future of the Library of Congress.