Carla Hayden Joins Mellon Foundation Amidst Controversy Over Dismissal as Librarian of Congress

Dr. Carla Hayden, the first woman and African American to serve as Librarian of Congress, has been appointed as a senior fellow at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. In this role, she will advise on initiatives aimed at advancing public knowledge through libraries and archives. This appointment follows her dismissal in May 2025 by President Donald Trump, a move that drew significant criticism from various quarters.

Hayden's tenure as Librarian of Congress, which began in 2016, was marked by efforts to modernize the institution and enhance accessibility. She prioritized expanding public access to the Library’s collections, introducing audiences to treasures such as Frederick Douglass’ papers and the contents of President Abraham Lincoln’s pockets on the night of his assassination. Her forward-thinking leadership introduced cutting-edge technology and digitization efforts, making the Library’s vast collection accessible to anyone, anywhere. In 2021, she launched the "Of the People: Widening the Path" initiative, aimed at fostering engagement with underrepresented communities and enriching the Library's collections to reflect the diversity of the American experience.

On May 8, 2025, Hayden was abruptly dismissed from her position. The dismissal was communicated via an email from the White House's Presidential Personnel Office, stating: "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." The conservative American Accountability Foundation had accused Hayden of promoting "radical" literature and opposing President Trump. The White House cited her promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies as reasons for her removal. This action was part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to remove officials across various federal agencies considered unsupportive of the president’s agenda.

Hayden's dismissal sparked significant backlash. The American Library Association (ALA) President Cindy Hohl expressed deep disappointment, stating that Hayden's "abrupt and unjust dismissal is an insult to the scope and breadth of work Dr. Hayden has undertaken in her role leading the Library of Congress." The Authors Guild condemned the firing as a "shocking abuse of power," emphasizing that it undermines the integrity of national institutions and is an affront to intellectual freedom and democratic values. House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro praised Hayden's contributions and demanded an explanation for her dismissal, describing it as "unprecedented and unnecessary." Former U.S. Poets Laureate Joy Harjo and Tracy K. Smith criticized the firing, highlighting Hayden's commitment to inclusivity and her efforts to engage communities nationwide with the joys and power of poetry.

Following her dismissal, Hayden was appointed as a senior fellow at the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation on July 7, 2025. In this role, she will advise on initiatives aimed at advancing public knowledge through libraries and archives. The Mellon Foundation has been active in addressing challenges such as censorship, technological change, and funding shortfalls in the arts and humanities. Hayden's appointment is seen as timely amidst these challenges, and she aims to fortify the public knowledge ecosystem, reaffirming the role of libraries and archives in preserving free discourse.

Hayden's dismissal and subsequent appointment highlight several critical issues:

• Political Interference in Cultural Institutions: The firing underscores concerns about political influence over non-partisan cultural and educational institutions, raising questions about the independence and integrity of such organizations.

• Intellectual Freedom and Censorship: The accusations against Hayden for promoting "radical" literature reflect broader debates over intellectual freedom, censorship, and the role of libraries in providing access to diverse perspectives.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): The dismissal, partly attributed to Hayden's DEI initiatives, brings attention to the ongoing discourse surrounding DEI efforts within public institutions and the pushback they may encounter.

Hayden's transition to the Mellon Foundation signifies her continued commitment to advancing public knowledge and ensuring the transformative power of information remains accessible to all. Her resilience in the face of political challenges underscores the importance of safeguarding the independence and integrity of cultural institutions in a democratic society.