Here’s what happened.
Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump has removed National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet, citing her strong support for left-wing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and a clear record of partisan political donations.
“Upon the request and recommendation of many, I am hereby terminating the employment of Kim Sajet,” President Trump announced on Truth Social. “She is a highly partisan person and a strong supporter of DEI, which is totally inappropriate for her position.”
Sajet’s political leanings were confirmed by Federal Election Commission data showing donations to prominent Democrats including Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand through the liberal ActBlue platform.
A White House official emphasized that federally funded institutions like the Smithsonian should remain neutral and not promote divisive ideology.
Sajet, born in Nigeria and raised in Australia, holds Dutch citizenship. She has degrees from Georgetown University and Harvard Business School—two institutions that have become flashpoints in the national debate over progressive influence in academia.
During her leadership at the National Portrait Gallery, Sajet oversaw a two-year national tour featuring the portraits of former President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Critics argue the exhibit was politically motivated and did not represent the broader scope of American history.
This dismissal comes amid a broader effort by President Trump to restore integrity and patriotism in America’s cultural institutions. Earlier this year, he removed the Librarian of Congress, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Coast Guard Commandant, all due to growing concerns over partisan agendas.
In March, Trump signed a historic executive order named “Restoring Truth and Sanity to America.” The order targets taxpayer-funded museums accused of promoting racially divisive narratives and DEI programming.
“The Smithsonian has, in recent years, come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology,” the president stated.
The order also banned DEI practices across federal agencies. Legal attempts to block the policy have so far failed, with a federal judge recently allowing key provisions to stand.
President Trump’s latest move sends a clear message: America’s institutions must serve the people—not political ideologies.