Trump has fired the director of the US Copyright Office

Engadget - May 11th, 2025
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The Trump administration has dismissed Shira Perlmutter, the Register of Copyrights and US Copyright Office Director, following the recent release of a report raising concerns about the use of copyrighted materials in training generative AI. This action follows the firing of Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, who was removed due to her diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The firing of Perlmutter comes amid a push by the Trump administration, particularly the Department of Governmental Executive (DOGE), to expand AI use, with directives for federal agencies to develop AI strategies and appoint Chief AI Officers.

The dismissal of Perlmutter has sparked criticism, including from Congressman Joe Morelle, who labeled it a "brazen, unprecedented power grab with no legal basis." The move is perceived as a retaliatory measure after Perlmutter refused to approve Elon Musk’s efforts to utilize copyrighted works for AI training. This development highlights the ongoing tension between the administration's AI policy objectives and the legal frameworks governing intellectual property, raising questions about the future of copyright law in the context of AI advancements.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant account of recent events involving the Trump administration's firings of key figures in the U.S. Copyright Office. It effectively highlights the intersection of AI, copyright law, and political decision-making, engaging readers with its coverage of a controversial and complex topic. However, the article's overall quality is affected by certain inaccuracies and a lack of diverse perspectives. While it cites reliable sources, some claims lack verification or clear attribution, which impacts its accuracy and balance. Additionally, the story could benefit from more in-depth analysis and explanation of the broader implications of these events. Despite these weaknesses, the article succeeds in sparking interest and discussion around significant public interest issues, making it a noteworthy piece in the current news landscape.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims, some of which are confirmed by multiple reputable sources, while others lack verification. For instance, the firing of Shira Perlmutter as Register of Copyrights is well-documented and corroborated by sources like CBS News and Politico. However, the claim that Carla Hayden was fired specifically for her DEI efforts lacks corroboration, as this detail is not found in the sources consulted. Additionally, the mention of 'DOGE' as part of the Trump administration's AI push appears to be a potential error or misstatement, as it is not supported by the information available. The story accurately reports the timing of Perlmutter's dismissal in relation to the release of a report on AI and copyright, which is confirmed by multiple sources. Nonetheless, the claim about Elon Musk's involvement in seeking approval for using copyrighted works remains unverified, being based solely on a statement from Congressman Joe Morelle. These discrepancies and unsupported claims affect the story's overall accuracy.

5
Balance

The article exhibits some balance in presenting the events surrounding the firings of Shira Perlmutter and Carla Hayden, but it leans towards a critical perspective of the Trump administration's actions. The inclusion of Congressman Joe Morelle's statement, which is highly critical of the administration, suggests a bias against the decision to fire Perlmutter. The story lacks perspectives from individuals or entities that might support or justify the administration's actions, such as statements from the administration itself or other political figures who might have a different viewpoint. This creates an imbalance in the narrative, as the story predominantly highlights the negative implications and criticisms without providing a comprehensive view of the situation.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, providing a straightforward account of the events it covers. The narrative flows logically, detailing the sequence of firings and the related political context. However, certain elements, such as the reference to 'DOGE' in the context of the Trump administration's AI push, introduce confusion due to a lack of explanation or clarification. Additionally, the article could benefit from clearer attribution of claims, particularly those involving specific reasons for the firings, to improve reader comprehension. Overall, while the article is mostly easy to follow, addressing these issues would enhance its clarity.

7
Source quality

The story references credible sources like Politico and The New York Times, which are known for their journalistic standards. However, the story lacks direct attribution for some claims, such as the reason for Carla Hayden's firing and the specifics of the AI report's impact. The reliance on a single statement from Congressman Joe Morelle for the claim about Elon Musk's involvement highlights a potential gap in source diversity. While the sources cited are generally reliable, the story could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and more direct quotes from primary sources involved in the events.

6
Transparency

The article provides some transparency by mentioning the sources of its information, such as Politico and The New York Times. However, it does not sufficiently disclose the basis for some of its claims, particularly those that are not directly attributed to a source. For instance, the claim about Carla Hayden's firing due to DEI efforts lacks a clear source or explanation. Additionally, the story does not clarify the context or methodology behind the AI report mentioned, which would help readers understand the implications of Perlmutter's dismissal. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the article's credibility and help readers better assess the validity of its claims.

Sources

  1. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-fires-director-of-u-s-copyright-office-shira-perlmutter-sources/
  2. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/10/trump-u-s-copyright-official-00340306
  3. https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/11/trump-fires-copyright-office-director-after-report-raises-questions-about-ai-training/
  4. https://democrats-cha.house.gov/media/press-releases/morelles-statement-abrupt-firing-shira-perlmutter-register-copyrights
  5. https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-05-11/trump-administration-fires-top-copyright-official-days-after-firing-librarian-of-congress