We cannot allow the integrity of our nation’s most treasured institution of knowledge to be compromised by political favoritism.

President Trump’s appointment of Todd Blanche—a criminal defense lawyer with no experience in library science, archiving, or public information management—as Acting Librarian of Congress is a clear abuse of power.

Blanche’s only apparent qualification is his personal loyalty to the President, having recently served as Trump’s defense attorney in a high-profile criminal trial. This is not how leadership of the world’s largest library should be decided.

The Library of Congress is a nonpartisan, legislative agency tasked with safeguarding the nation’s history, knowledge, and culture. It must be led by professionals who are deeply qualified and committed to the mission of public service, not political operatives rewarded for personal allegiance.

Removing Dr. Carla Hayden, the first professional librarian in decades to hold this role, only to replace her with someone with zero background in the field, signals a dangerous politicization of our democratic institutions.

We demand that Congress and the public push back immediately. This appointment cannot be allowed to stand.

Add your name to reject this misuse of power and protect the Library of Congress from being turned into a political prize.

 
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