Former President Donald Trump has named his personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, as the acting Librarian of Congress. This move comes just days after Dr. Carla Hayden, the first Black person to hold the position, was removed from the role.
The decision quickly stirred reactions, given Blanche’s lack of experience in library science and the political cloud surrounding his appointment.
Trump Replaces Carla Hayden With Personal Attorney
On Monday, the Justice Department confirmed that Todd Blanche will temporarily lead the Library of Congress. Blanche currently serves as Deputy Attorney General and is also Trump’s lead lawyer in his ongoing Stormy Daniels hush-money case.
Dr. Carla Hayden had served as Librarian of Congress since 2016. She was the first woman and the first Black person in U.S. history to hold the post. Hayden was widely respected for modernizing the institution and working to expand its collections to represent diverse American voices.
White House Cites DEI Efforts as Reason for Hayden’s Firing
According to the White House, Hayden’s removal was tied to her support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, “We felt she did not fit the needs of the American people.”
Leavitt claimed there were concerns about Hayden’s leadership, especially her efforts to feature more books from communities of color. However, critics pointed out that Hayden wasn’t curating children’s materials, but leading a project called “Of the People”, which showcased works from historically underrepresented groups in the national collection.
Todd Blanche Faces Questions Over Qualifications
The announcement has sparked new concerns about political loyalty and qualifications for one of the country’s oldest cultural institutions. Blanche, a career defense lawyer, has no background in library science, public history, or archival management.
Many in Washington are questioning the decision. A senior congressional staffer, speaking anonymously, said, “The Library of Congress deserves a scholar, not a personal lawyer wrapped up in legal controversies.”
Carla Hayden’s Legacy at the Library of Congress
During her time in office, Dr. Hayden expanded access to the Library’s collections and digitized rare materials for public use. She prioritized making American history available to people of all backgrounds, both online and in person.
Her work included the “Of the People” initiative, designed to reflect the voices and stories of Black, indigenous, Hispanic, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities. This project was praised by educators and cultural leaders across the nation.
Growing Tensions Over Political Control of Cultural Institutions
Trump’s appointment of Blanche highlights growing debates about political influence in America’s cultural institutions. Supporters of Hayden say this move is part of a wider effort to roll back DEI programs in public agencies.
Some worry about what could happen next at the Library of Congress. One librarian union leader noted, “We’ve lost a respected leader in Dr. Hayden. The question now is whether the Library will be run for the public or for politics.”
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