Blanche Appointed Acting Librarian Amid Controversy

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, formerly Donald Trump’s personal attorney, has been appointed acting Librarian of Congress after the White House abruptly fired Carla Hayden, the first woman and first Black person in the role. The White House attributed Hayden’s dismissal to her promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, sparking controversy and accusations of politicization and attacks on Congressional independence. Blanche’s appointment is part of a broader pattern of Trump administration officials taking key positions, raising concerns about executive overreach and the constitutionality of assigning an executive branch official to a legislative branch agency. The White House also recently dismissed Shira Perlmutter, head of the U.S. Copyright Office, further fueling criticism. While the administration claims these actions are necessary, Congressional leaders and former Library officials have questioned their legality and warned of possible disorder at the Library. Internal communications suggest ongoing uncertainty, as Congress has yet to provide clear direction on the new leadership.