President Donald Trump has removed Kim Sajet from her post as Director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, citing her aggressive promotion of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) ideology and partisan leadership as grounds for her dismissal. The move is part of Trump’s broader push to purge federally funded cultural institutions of left-wing activism.
In a statement posted to Truth Social, President Trump described Sajet as “highly partisan” and accused her of turning the gallery into a platform for political propaganda. “Our nation’s museums should celebrate American greatness, not promote divisive ideologies,” Trump wrote.
Sajet had served as director since 2013 and was the first woman to lead the gallery. Her tenure focused heavily on expanding exhibits that prioritized race, gender, and identity politics, including efforts to elevate figures based on progressive political metrics rather than historical significance. Trump’s team viewed her leadership as emblematic of the broader cultural drift infecting the nation’s publicly funded institutions.
The firing comes on the heels of a recent executive order from the Trump administration that tasked Vice President JD Vance with overseeing a comprehensive review of the Smithsonian and similar institutions. That order directed the removal of content promoting “improper ideological narratives,” including themes of systemic racism and transgender identity politics.
Sources close to the administration say Sajet’s departure is just the beginning, as the White House prepares to “restore objectivity and patriotism” to taxpayer-funded museums. The National Portrait Gallery, along with other arms of the Smithsonian, will be expected to realign their missions with American values and historical integrity.
While legal scholars have questioned whether a sitting president can directly fire a Smithsonian director—given the institution’s nominal independence—Trump’s allies argue that decisive action was necessary to prevent further politicization. The Smithsonian Board of Regents, chaired by Chief Justice John Roberts, traditionally handles leadership appointments, but the administration appears confident that political pressure will lead to broader institutional reforms.
No replacement has been named yet, but insiders suggest the next director will be someone committed to restoring balance, rejecting radical activism, and placing renewed emphasis on the great leaders, innovators, and patriots who shaped America.
The National Portrait Gallery has not commented on Sajet’s termination.