Political Storm Brews at Library of Congress After Controversial Appointments and Attempted Office Breach

The Library of Congress is embroiled in political controversy following the abrupt firing of Librarian Carla Hayden and the subsequent appointment of Todd Blanche, a close ally of former President Trump. This move has raised concerns about potential political influence over the institution's operations and its role in overseeing copyright issues. The situation escalated when two Trump appointees attempted to access the Copyright Office without proper authorization, prompting intervention from US Capitol Police. A congressional aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted the far-reaching implications of Blanche's appointment, emphasizing the Library's unique position as a research institution for Congress. The incident underscores the delicate balance between political appointments and the preservation of institutional integrity, particularly in an era of increasing concerns about AI and copyright infringement.