President Donald Trump has made the decisive move to terminate Kim Sajet from her role as the director of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. The announcement came on Friday, with the President condemning Sajet's strong advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as "totally inappropriate" for her position. This act is a significant development in the administration's influence over national cultural institutions.
The dismissal of Sajet, who has been a prominent supporter of DEI initiatives, was justified by Trump as a necessary response to recommendations from several sources. A longtime Democratic Party donor, Sajet has led the gallery, which houses 1,700 portraits of influential Americans, since 2013. Her tenure has been marked by efforts to infuse themes of identity and social justice into the museum's curation.
Under her leadership, the National Portrait Gallery has challenged traditional categorizations in art and history, raising questions about systemic sexism, racism, and ableism. The Daily Wire reported on Sajet's inquiries into whether historical classifications were discriminatory. Her commitment to these issues was further highlighted in a 2024 Washington Post interview, where she discussed implementing "language justice" to ensure inclusivity within the museum's exhibits.
Sajet's professional ethos was to present the gallery as an institution that explores the social construct of identity, influenced by a myriad of factors including prejudice and fear. Notably, she oversaw the "America’s Presidents" exhibit, which featured succinct captions summarizing each president’s legacy. The label accompanying Trump's portrait notably included references to his impeachments and his second electoral victory in 2024.
The decision to remove Sajet aligns with Trump's March 27 executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History." The order accuses the Smithsonian Institution of adopting a divisive, race-centered ideology that undermines American values. It calls for a redirection of the Smithsonian's role to inspire and instill national pride.
The Smithsonian, once a beacon of cultural achievement, has been scrutinized for perceived ideological biases under Trump's administration. Sajet's departure represents a broader political contestation over the portrayal of American history and culture in public spaces.
With a leadership void now present, the National Portrait Gallery anticipates the appointment of a new director who will adhere to the administration's vision. This transition is a critical juncture for the institution and indicates a broader shift in how historical narratives may be shaped in the future.
