Constitutional Crisis Unfolds as White House Attempts to Control Congress’s Research Arm
The recent standoff at the Library of Congress represents more than just another personnel change—it signals a dangerous power grab threatening the separation of powers that underpins American democracy.
On Monday, Library of Congress staff turned away two Justice Department officials attempting to take control of key positions within the institution, creating an unprecedented constitutional showdown between the executive and legislative branches.
President Trump fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden last week and appointed Todd Blanche, his former personal lawyer and current Deputy Attorney General, as acting librarian. When Blanche’s appointees arrived at the Library’s James Madison Memorial Building with a White House letter declaring their new roles, staff refused them entry and called Capitol Police.
This confrontation highlights a critical but often overlooked fact: the Library of Congress isn’t just any library—it’s a cornerstone of legislative independence.
Why This Matters: The Library’s Critical Role
The Library of Congress serves as the research arm of Congress through its Congressional Research Service (CRS), which provides confidential, nonpartisan analysis to lawmakers. As NPR reports, this takeover attempt threatens the separation of powers between branches of government.
“Congress must stand up for Article I of the Constitution and defend the nonpartisan Library and the legislative branch from White House political control,” said Representatives Joseph Morelle and Alex Padilla in a joint statement cited by The New York Times.
The Library houses the Congressional Research Service, which maintains confidential databases of questions asked by lawmakers over decades. This information could be weaponized if accessed by the executive branch.
Blanche’s Questionable Qualifications
Todd Blanche’s appointment raises serious concerns about qualifications. According to NPR, “Blanche has no experience working in libraries or archives, according to his public profile. Now he will be running the largest one in the world.”
Blanche’s primary qualification appears to be his loyalty to Trump—he served as the president’s lead defense attorney during his criminal trial in Manhattan last year, where Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts.
A Pattern of Control
This isn’t an isolated incident. The administration also fired Shira Perlmutter, head of the U.S. Copyright Office, days after her office issued a report clarifying that tech companies’ AI training methods could violate copyright law—a position that potentially conflicts with the interests of Trump ally Elon Musk.
According to Rolling Stone, “When Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has done this elsewhere, the first thing that team does is hoover up and gain control over as much sensitive data as possible.”
The Constitutional Crisis Continues
Library staff are currently recognizing Robert Newlen, the principal deputy librarian, as acting director until Congress provides direction. In an email to staff, Newlen wrote: “Congress is engaged with the White House, and we have not yet received direction from Congress about how to move forward.”
This standoff represents a critical moment for congressional authority and the separation of powers that defines American democracy.
What Happens Next?
With Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, the response from GOP leadership will be crucial. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has acknowledged that “congressional equities” are at stake, according to Politico.
The question remains: Will Congress defend its constitutional authority, or will it allow the executive branch to undermine the independence of its research arm?
