Firing National Portrait Gallery: US President Donald Trump has claimed to have fired Kim Sajet, the director of the National Portrait Gallery, citing her alleged support for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs as “totally inappropriate” for her position. Sajet, a Dutch citizen born in Nigeria and raised in Australia, has led the gallery since 2013 and has been instrumental in shaping its direction.
The National Portrait Gallery, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is home to the collection of official state portraits of US Presidents and First Ladies, as well as portraits of important figures from the country’s history. Sajet’s departure would mark a significant shift in the gallery’s direction, given her role in curating exhibitions, including the popular “America’s Presidents” exhibit featuring portraits of every US president, including Trump.
Concerns Over Trump’s Authority
The Smithsonian Institution, which oversees 21 museums across the US, receives 53% of its funding from the federal government. This raises questions about Trump’s authority to fire Sajet, sparking debate over the extent of presidential power over the institution. A spokesperson for the Smithsonian declined to comment on the matter.
Trump’s Broader Efforts to Reshape the Arts Scene
Trump’s decision to fire Sajet is part of his broader effort to reshape the Washington arts scene. He has previously targeted the Smithsonian Institution and its museums, signing executive orders that directed federal agencies and federally funded institutions to stop their diversity initiatives. Another order directed Vice President JD Vance to oversee the removal of “divisive, race-centered ideology” from Smithsonian properties.
Still on Firing National Portrait Gallery
Previous Actions
Trump has a history of taking bold action in the arts world. He has:
– Dismissed the Head of the National Archives: Trump made good on his promise to fire the head of the National Archives, further solidifying his influence over cultural institutions.
– Remade the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Board: Trump dismissed 18 board members and appointed new trustees, including Second Lady Usha Vance, who promptly elected him board chair.
– Redirected Funds: Trump has sought to redirect funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities toward his “National Garden of American Heroes” project, a sculpture park intended to be completed in time for the US semiquincentennial in July 2026.
Sajet’s Background and Achievements
Sajet has had a distinguished career in the arts, serving as the president and chief executive of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and holding various roles at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She has also been the host of the “Portraits” podcast and co-wrote the book “The Obama Portraits” (2020). Her departure will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the National Portrait Gallery and the arts community.
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