Two Men Claiming to Be Trump Appointees Blocked From Entering US Copyright Office

**Two men claiming to be newly appointed Trump administration officials were denied entry to the US Copyright Office** on May 12, 2025. They arrived at the internal Library of Congress agency with a document stating that they had been appointed by the White House to new roles within the office. The men identified themselves as Brian Nieves, the new deputy librarian, and Paul Perkins, the new acting director of the Copyright Office and acting registrar. However, it is unclear whether they accurately identified themselves, and they were not allowed in by Capitol Police. This incident occurred just days after the White House fired the director of the copyright office, Shira Perlmutter, who had held the job since 2020.

1. **Identity Verification Uncertainty**: It is unclear whether the two men accurately identified themselves as the new appointees. They presented a document claiming their appointments, but the validity of this document and their identities has not been confirmed. Capitol Police denied them entry, and a spokesperson for the law enforcement agency denied that officers escorted anyone out or denied them entry.
2. **Perlmutter's Termination**: The termination of Shira Perlmutter, the director of the Copyright Office, is a significant event. Her ouster has led to speculation about the future direction of the office, particularly in light of the controversial release of a pre-publication version of the office's report on generative AI and fair use. The report's release raised eyebrows within the legal community due to its unconventional format and timing, which coincided with Perlmutter's dismissal.
3. **Chaos at the Copyright Office**: The attempted entry of the two men claiming to be Trump appointees adds to the chaos surrounding the Copyright Office. The office has been at the center of controversy due to the firing of its director and the release of the AI report. The office's leadership and direction are now in question, as the Trump administration's changes have created uncertainty in the agency's operations.

In conclusion, the denial of entry to the US Copyright Office by two men claiming to be Trump appointees is a part of the broader chaos enveloping the office following the termination of Shira Perlmutter. The situation remains unclear, and it is uncertain how it will affect the office's operations and policies moving forward.