The Library of Congress’s online copy of the U.S. Constitution was briefly modified to remove the section guaranteeing the right to challenge detention, coinciding with the Trump administration’s consideration of suspending habeas corpus. Government officials attributed the deletion to a technical “glitch,” prompting internal review and correction. The timing of the error raised suspicion, given the administration’s efforts to undermine constitutional rights and Trump’s ongoing attempt to control the Library of Congress. The deleted sections have since been restored, and the Library of Congress has stated it was due to a “coding error”.
Read More
The Trump administration is escalating its campaign to expand executive power, targeting the Library of Congress and claiming it falls under executive branch authority. This assertion, along with attempts to influence other independent agencies like the GAO, represents a broader effort to blur the lines separating government branches. The administration’s actions have faced some resistance, including legal challenges and pushback from Congress, though limited. The White House’s rationale centers on a claimed mandate to rein in spending and reshape governance, ignoring established norms of separation of powers. Control over the Library would grant access to vast amounts of sensitive data, including congressional research requests and copyright information.
Read More
Following President Trump’s controversial dismissal of Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden, the administration appointed a temporary leadership team comprised of three Justice Department officials. However, this action immediately sparked legal challenges questioning the legality of executive branch officials serving in the legislative branch. Subsequently, two of the appointed officials were denied access to the Library of Congress, highlighting the ongoing dispute. Democratic lawmakers are now calling for an investigation into the matter, ensuring the conflict will likely continue.
Read More
President Trump’s appointment of Todd Blanche as acting Librarian of Congress, along with the subsequent designation of two Justice Department officials to fill key Library positions, was met with resistance. Library staff refused entry to these officials, citing the lack of confirmation for Blanche’s appointment and the officials’ lack of authorization. This action followed Trump’s dismissal of the previous Librarian and Copyright Office director, leading to internal conflict and a challenge to the legitimacy of the presidential actions. The situation highlights a power struggle and prompted criticism from House Democrats who see it as an unlawful power grab.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker