Democrats Demand Probe Into Trump Administration’s Firing of Librarian Carla Hayden and DOGE Data Access, Citing Joe Morelle

Democratic lawmakers have called for an investigation into the Trump administration's actions regarding the Library of Congress following the dismissal of Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. Representative Joe Morelle, the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, requested an inspector general review into potentially improper communications between the Trump administration and Library employees, as well as the circumstances surrounding Hayden's firing. There are also inquiries into whether the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) or other executive branch entities attempted to access Library data or communications between the Congressional Research Service and Congressional offices. The situation has raised concerns about executive overreach and the independence of the Library of Congress, which is a coequal branch of government. Legal analysis suggests that the President likely has the authority to fire the Librarian of Congress, adding a complex legal dimension to the controversy. The Trump administration is reportedly seeking to install the President’s former personal defense lawyer as a top administrator at the Library, intensifying the dispute.