trump Fires Smithsonian Portrait Gallery Director Over DEI ⁢Stance

​ Updated May 31, 2025
⁣ ⁣

President Donald⁢ Trump announced⁢ the firing of kim ⁣Sajet, the longtime director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, ‌on Friday. ⁢Trump, in‌ a Truth Social post, stated Sajet was a “highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI (diversity, equity, and ‌inclusion).”

This⁢ action‌ is ‍part of a‍ broader effort by Trump ⁣to reshape ⁢prominent national arts institutions to align​ with his political agenda. Previously, he‌ dismissed much of the kennedy Center‌ board and ‍issued an executive order targeting Smithsonian museums, aiming to cut federal funding for exhibitions‌ and programs addressing racial themes.

The ​National Portrait Gallery, which houses over 26,000 objects, including portraits of all U.S.⁢ presidents, had no immediate comment. It attracts approximately‍ 1 million visitors‍ annually and shares a building‍ with the​ Smithsonian American Art ‌Museum.

Sajet, a Dutch national ‍born in ‍nigeria and raised in Australia, was⁢ appointed ⁢director ⁣in 2013 by then-smithsonian ⁤Secretary Wayne ⁤Clough. She was the first woman to hold the position, arriving from‍ the Ancient Society of Pennsylvania.

Trump said ‍he⁤ terminated sajet “upon the​ request and​ recommendation of many peopel,” deeming‍ her⁢ support of diversity and ​inclusion “totally inappropriate.” ‌He pledged to ⁢name her replacement soon.

The gallery‍ features ‌a 2017 photo portrait ‍of Trump by Matt McClain. ‍The‌ caption⁢ notes his two impeachments‌ and subsequent‍ Senate acquittals, as well as ⁢his 2024 election comeback ⁢after⁤ losing to Joe ‍Biden in 2020.

What’s next

The search for a new director of the National Portrait‍ Gallery will begin promptly, with Trump expected ⁤to nominate someone who⁣ aligns with ‍his vision for‍ the institution.