National Portrait Gallery Director Resigns Following Alleged Trump “Firing”

Kim Sajet, who has been the director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery (NPG) for over ten years, has resigned. Her resignation follows claims by former President Donald Trump that he had dismissed her for being partisan and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Sajet’s departure was announced through an internal memo shared with Smithsonian staff, with Secretary Lonnie Bunch acknowledging her contributions, such as instituting the museum’s first dance company in residence and founding the Portrait of a Nation Award. Kevin Gover, the current Under Secretary for Museums and Culture at the Smithsonian, will replace her.

Despite Trump’s assertions of firing Sajet, the Smithsonian clarified that personnel decisions are made solely by Secretary Bunch with advice from the Board of Regents to maintain the institution’s nonpartisan status. Sajet remained at work even after Trump’s declaration of her termination. Her resignation comes amid controversies surrounding Trump’s executive order aiming to remove certain ideologies from the Smithsonian’s exhibits, sparking concerns about the institution’s independence. Sajet expressed her belief in stepping aside to better serve the museum, emphasizing her tenure’s focus on inclusivity and broadening the range of represented subjects. Hyperallergic has reached out to Sajet for further comments.