Trump vs Smithsonian: Staff Firings Blocked
The Smithsonian fights back: Read how the institution is asserting its independence following President Trump’s actions. The Board of Regents is backing Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch, effectively blocking potential staff firings, including National Portrait Gallery Director Kim sajet. This decisive move by the Smithsonian comes amid proposed budget cuts, notably impacting the National Museum of the American latino. Trump’s executive order targeting ”divisive” exhibits and programs has further fueled this conflict, raising notable concerns about political interference. By emphasizing its nonpartisan status, the Smithsonian aims to remain a beacon of knowledge. As News Directory 3 continues to report, the institution is set to navigate intense political pressures. Discover what’s next for the Smithsonian.
Smithsonian Board Backs Institution Independence Amid Funding concerns
Updated June 10, 2025
The Smithsonian Institution has affirmed its independence, potentially rebuffing recent actions by President Trump. This statement follows Trump’s reported dismissal of National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet over alleged partisanship and DEI support.
In a statement released Monday evening, the Smithsonian emphasized that Secretary Lonnie G. bunch has the full support of the Board of Regents in managing the institution. This declaration suggests that personnel decisions will be made by Bunch, shielding the smithsonian from external political influence. The move highlights the Smithsonian’s commitment to maintaining its nonpartisan stature amid growing political pressures and proposed budget cuts.
the proclamation followed a highly anticipated Board of Regents meeting addressing Sajet’s situation. Reports indicated Sajet continued working despite Trump’s social media announcement. The Smithsonian’s statement did not explicitly confirm Sajet’s continued role but underscored the institution’s past independence,established by Congress in 1846.
The statement reiterated that the Board of Regents governs the Smithsonian and appoints a secretary to manage it.This governance structure reinforces the institution’s autonomy.
This assertion of independence arrives shortly after the White House proposed a 12% budget reduction for the Smithsonian in the 2026 budget. These cuts include eliminating funding for the National Museum of the American Latino and the Anacostia Community museum, which focuses on Black culture. The proposed budget cuts and the “Restoring truth and sanity to American history” executive order have raised concerns about political interference and the future of cultural institutions.
Trump’s scrutiny of the Smithsonian began with an executive order aimed at ending federal funding for exhibitions and programs perceived as divisive or race-centered. The order criticized the Smithsonian for allegedly succumbing to a “divisive, race-centered ideology” and directed Vice President JD Vance to eliminate “improper ideology” from its museums and the National Zoo.
Unlike the kennedy Centre,where the president appoints the board,the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents includes officials from all three branches of government,including Vance and Chief Justice John G. Roberts.
“As its inception, the Smithsonian has set out to be a nonpartisan institution,” the statement read. “As the nation’s museum,the Smithsonian must be a welcoming place of knowledge and revelation for all Americans. The Board of Regents is committed to ensuring that the Smithsonian is a beacon of scholarship free from political or partisan influence, and we recognize that our institution can and must do more to further these foundational values.”
The board has directed the secretary to set specific expectations for museum content,allow directors time to make necessary changes for unbiased content,and report back on progress and personnel changes.
What’s next
The Smithsonian will likely continue navigating political pressures while implementing the Board of Regents’ directives. The institution’s ability to maintain its independence and secure funding will be crucial for its future.