Donald Trump’s decision to remove Kim Sajet as director of the National Portrait Gallery has sparked a hotbed of controversy by intertwining politics with art.
At a Glance
- Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery, was removed by Donald Trump, cited as “highly partisan.”
- The gallery is part of the Smithsonian, which is not typically subject to the administration’s decision-making.
- Sajet focused on diversity initiatives, which Trump highlighted in his rationale.
- Legal experts point out the questionable legality of Trump’s executive order affecting the Smithsonian.
Trump’s Announcement
President Donald Trump announced the removal of Kim Sajet as director of the National Portrait Gallery on May 30. This decision was declared via Truth Social, attributing her removal to her support for diversity initiatives and labeling her leadership as “highly partisan.”
The gallery, a renowned part of the Smithsonian Institution since 1968, features an unparalleled collection of presidential portraits, including those of George Washington and Barack Obama. Sajet, a Dutch art historian, was appointed in 2013 and has since promoted diversity within the gallery, something Trump criticized.
Legal Questions and Institutional Control
Legal experts have challenged Trump’s authority to dismiss Sajet, as the National Portrait Gallery falls under the Smithsonian Institution, which traditionally operates independently from direct presidential control. Nonetheless, Trump enforced an executive order to remove what he perceived as divisive ideologies from Smithsonian museums.
“very hard to be even-handed when we talk about people and that’s the key” – Kim Sajet
Sajet, originally from Nigeria and raised in Australia, has made significant strides in her role, emphasizing the importance of portraying presidents in a balanced manner. Her efforts have been to maintain an even-handed approach to the gallery’s thematic content
The Gallery’s Commitment to American Heritage
The National Portrait Gallery offers the exclusive complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House. It showcases notable works, such as one of the four original “Lansdowne Portraits” and Kehinde Wiley’s renowned depiction of Barack Obama.
“highly partisan” – Donald Trump
Despite Trump’s allegations, Sajet maintained the gallery’s role of equitable presentation of presidential history. The president’s decision raises questions about the intersection of political influences on cultural institutions.
