1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

We urge Congress to firmly reject President Trump's attempt to seize control of the Library of Congress, a core institution belonging to the legislative branch. This brazen move represents a flagrant breach of the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. The Library of Congress is a treasured repository of American culture and knowledge that has served Congress impartially for over two centuries. Allowing the president to install his own personnel and exert executive influence would compromise the library's independence and its ability to provide objective research and resources to lawmakers. This institutional takeover must be seen as an unacceptable overreach of executive power into the domain of the legislative branch. We call on members of Congress from both parties to unite in defense of this esteemed institution and its critical role in supporting the work of the people's representatives. The American public expects their elected officials to uphold the Constitution's system of checks and balances against any encroachments from the presidency. Preserving the autonomy of the Library of Congress is a matter of preserving democratic principles.