President Donald Trump announced the removal of Kim Sajet as director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery on Friday, citing her strong advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as “totally inappropriate” for her role.
In an official statement, Trump described Sajet as “a highly partisan person” who had promoted DEI initiatives from her position overseeing one of America’s most prominent museums.
He said he was acting upon recommendations from multiple sources in terminating her employment. A replacement director is expected to be named soon.
Kim Sajet, a longtime donor to the Democratic Party, had led the National Portrait Gallery since 2013.
The gallery is home to 1,700 portraits of U.S. presidents and notable Americans, situated less than a mile from the White House.
During her tenure, Sajet emphasized themes of identity and social justice in curating the museum’s collection and exhibitions.
She publicly questioned traditional categories used in art and history, including whether they were sexist, racist, or ableist, according to the Daily Wire.
In a 2024 interview with The Washington Post, Sajet spoke about “language justice” in the museum’s exhibits, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and respect for communities historically marginalized or harmed.
Her professional profile described the National Portrait Gallery as “not just a place to see famous Americans,” but as an institution exploring identity as a social construct shaped by “opportunity & ability, prejudice & fear,” using a cross-disciplinary approach.
Sajet also managed the “America’s Presidents” exhibit, which features brief captions of approximately 140 words summarizing each president’s legacy. She told The Guardian in late 2024 that the gallery avoided editorializing in its labels, aiming to present historical facts rather than curator opinions.
However, the text accompanying Trump’s portrait included references to his two impeachments—on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack—and noted his acquittals by the Senate.
It also referenced his 2024 election victory, comparing him to Grover Cleveland as one of only two presidents to win nonconsecutive terms.
The removal of Sajet coincides with Trump’s March 27 executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.” The order criticizes recent trends at the Smithsonian Institution, accusing it of adopting a “divisive, race-centered ideology” that portrays American and Western values as inherently harmful or oppressive.
Trump’s executive order calls for the Smithsonian to reclaim its role as a source of inspiration, honoring the richness of American history and innovation, and instilling national pride.
Previously recognized as a global icon of cultural achievement, the Smithsonian has faced scrutiny under Trump’s administration for perceived ideological bias, particularly related to race and identity narratives.
Sajet’s departure signals a shift in the Smithsonian’s leadership approach and reflects broader political debates over how American history and culture are presented in public institutions.
The National Portrait Gallery’s leadership vacancy is expected to be filled soon, with an appointee aligned with the administration’s vision for the museum’s direction.
The post Trump Terminates Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Anthony Gonzalez
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