Bipartisan Opposition Emerges Against Presidential Attempt to Control Library of Congress

Although Congress is fully controlled by Republicans, resistance has emerged against President Trump’s aggressive efforts to unilaterally reshape federal agencies. The latest institution targeted by the administration stands apart due to its unique congressional heritage and symbolic significance.

The Library of Congress, renowned for its grand Beaux-Arts design and iconic reading room, sits just steps from the Capitol and is deeply intertwined with legislative history. Notably, during the burning of the Capitol in 1814, British troops used books from the original library to fuel the flames, after which Thomas Jefferson replenished the collection with his personal volumes.

Lawmakers hold the library in high regard, fueling a rare bipartisan backlash after the sudden dismissal of its well-regarded chief librarian. The president’s move to replace her with a former personal attorney has intensified concerns about preserving the institution’s independence, which safeguards the archival records of American literature and culture.

Senator John Thune, the Republican majority leader from South Dakota, emphasized the need for consultation in leadership decisions, suggesting that the White House exceeded its authority. He underscored that both Congress and the executive branch should have roles in appointing the library’s head.

The president’s interference has united members from both parties. After firing Carla Hayden as the librarian of Congress, an attempt was made to install Todd Blanche, a former personal lawyer now with the Justice Department. This move led to a brief standoff and resistance from senior library staff who assert their accountability to Congress rather than the White House.

This unfolding conflict highlights a subtle yet significant struggle over the separation of powers within a lesser-known federal entity. The resolution will influence not only the library’s leadership and stewardship of its extensive collections but also the continued provision of confidential, nonpartisan research to lawmakers and the governance of the nation’s copyright archives.