Overview

• Carla Hayden, the first Black and female Librarian of Congress, was dismissed on May 9, 2025, despite her contract running through 2026.
• The conservative American Accountability Foundation publicly criticized Hayden for promoting diversity and trans inclusion shortly before her removal.
• The Pentagon, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has begun implementing a directive to discharge up to 1,000 transgender service members, citing 'incompatibility' with military standards.
• Democratic leaders, including Hakeem Jeffries, condemned both actions as attacks on institutional independence and inclusivity.
• The Supreme Court recently allowed enforcement of the transgender military ban, though legal challenges to its constitutionality are ongoing.