Trump Administration Fires Top Copyright Official and Librarian of Congress in Purge

The administration of former President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after abruptly terminating the positions of both the Register of Copyrights, Shira Perlmutter, and the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden. These firings, occurring within days of each other, have fueled accusations of a politically motivated purge targeting government officials perceived as disloyal to Trump and his agenda.

Shira Perlmutter, who headed the U.S. Copyright Office, received an email from the White House on Saturday informing her of her immediate termination. The Copyright Office, overseen by the Library of Congress, plays a crucial role in protecting intellectual property rights in the United States. Prior to her dismissal, Perlmutter’s office had been actively engaged in examining the complex legal issues surrounding the use of copyrighted materials by artificial intelligence (AI) companies to train their systems.

The Copyright Office’s review, initiated in 2023, involved gathering input from a wide range of stakeholders, including AI developers, actors, and musicians. In January, the office clarified its approach, emphasizing the “centrality of human creativity” in determining whether a work qualifies for copyright protection. Perlmutter stated that extending protection to material whose expressive elements are determined by a machine would undermine the constitutional goals of copyright. The Copyright Office handles approximately half a million copyright applications annually, covering millions of creative works.

Perlmutter’s background includes a law degree and experience as a policy director at the Patent and Trademark Office, where she focused on copyright and other intellectual property matters. She also previously worked at the Copyright Office in the late 1990s. Her expertise in copyright law and intellectual property made her a key figure in navigating the evolving landscape of copyright in the digital age.

The firing of Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, occurred just days before Perlmutter’s termination. Hayden, the first woman and first African American to hold the position, was notified of her dismissal via email from the White House’s Presidential Personnel Office. The email, reportedly stating that the termination was on behalf of President Trump, thanked Hayden for her service.

Hayden’s appointment as Librarian of Congress in 2016 was widely celebrated. Prior to her appointment, she served as the CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland, for over two decades. Her leadership at the Pratt Library was marked by innovation and community engagement, earning her national recognition. As Librarian of Congress, Hayden oversaw the world’s largest library, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts. She also played a key role in expanding the library’s digital collections and outreach efforts.

The timing and circumstances of Perlmutter’s and Hayden’s firings have drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and other observers, who view the actions as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to remove officials deemed disloyal. Critics argue that the firings undermine the independence of important government institutions and raise concerns about the politicization of key roles. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.

The termination of Perlmutter comes at a critical juncture for copyright law, as the legal system grapples with the implications of AI and other emerging technologies. The Copyright Office’s work in this area is essential for ensuring that copyright law remains relevant and effective in the digital age. Perlmutter’s departure leaves a void in leadership at the Copyright Office, raising questions about the future direction of copyright policy in the United States.

The firing of Hayden, a respected and accomplished librarian, has also sparked outrage. Hayden’s tenure as Librarian of Congress was marked by efforts to modernize the library and make its resources more accessible to the public. Her removal is seen by some as a setback for efforts to promote literacy and preserve cultural heritage.

The firings of Perlmutter and Hayden are the latest in a series of personnel changes that have characterized the Trump administration. Critics have accused the administration of engaging in a systematic effort to replace career government officials with individuals who are more politically aligned with the president. These actions have raised concerns about the stability and effectiveness of government institutions.

The controversy surrounding the firings of Perlmutter and Hayden is likely to continue to generate debate and scrutiny. The actions raise important questions about the independence of government institutions, the role of political loyalty in personnel decisions, and the future of copyright law in the digital age. As the legal and technological landscape continues to evolve, the U.S. Copyright Office will play a crucial role in shaping copyright policy and protecting intellectual property rights. The leadership of the Library of Congress is vital for preserving cultural heritage and promoting access to knowledge. The firings of Perlmutter and Hayden have created uncertainty and concern about the future of these important institutions.