In a recent development, three former U.S. poets laureate have openly criticized the unexpected dismissal of Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, by President Donald Trump. Ada Limón, who concluded her tenure as poet laureate last month, along with her predecessors Joy Harjo and Tracy K. Smith, have all expressed their disapproval of this decision, emphasizing Hayden’s significant contributions.
Ada Limón commended Hayden’s dedication to promoting literature and fostering bipartisanship. She voiced her disappointment over the firing, describing it as another instance of the administration’s harsh actions. “Dr. Carla Hayden is the kindest, brightest, most generous Librarian of Congress we could have hoped for as a nation,” Limón stated. She highlighted Hayden’s sincere efforts towards inclusivity and expressed her distress over the administration’s seemingly relentless cruelty. Limón urged the public to be vigilant, fearing that past concerns are now becoming a reality.
The Library of Congress, which traces its origins to Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection, serves as a crucial repository of the nation’s literary and historical records. Despite her term set to end next year, Hayden was informed of her termination late Thursday, as indicated by an email acquired by news outlets. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, justified the decision by claiming Hayden had not adequately met public needs. The administration pointed to issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and the placement of unsuitable books for children as reasons for her removal.
Notably, Carla Hayden made history in 2016 as the first woman and African American to be appointed as the Librarian of Congress, a decision confirmed by the Senate. Her appointment by former President Barack Obama positioned her as a progressive figure, often criticized by conservative factions who labeled her as “woke” and opposed to Trump. Her dismissal follows the administration’s pattern of targeting cultural institutions in Washington, such as the Kennedy Center and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Joy Harjo, who functioned as the poet laureate from 2019 to 2022, called Hayden’s firing “shocking news.” Harjo remarked on Hayden’s steadfastness and humor as she responsibly managed a fundamental national institution. She confidently stated that Hayden’s legacy would endure the passage of time. Similarly, Tracy K. Smith, laureate from 2017 to 2019, acclaimed Hayden for her effort to engage communities through the power of poetry. Smith remarked that the abrupt dismissal appears to stifle collective memory and creativity, depriving society of essential cultural resources.