National Portrait Gallery head steps down following Trump attempt to fire her
Kim Sajet, the director of the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian, resigned on Friday.
Sajet's resignation was announced in an internal email, obtained by The Washington Post, sent just before noon to Smithsonian staff. In it, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III wrote, 'We are grateful to Kim for leading the National Portrait Gallery with passion and creativity for 12 years,' and later adding, 'Her decision to put the museum first is to be applauded and appreciated. I know this was not an easy decision.'
The email also included a message from Sajet, calling it the 'honor of a lifetime' to lead the gallery.
'Together, we have worked to tell a fuller, more American story — one that fosters connection, reflection, and understanding,' Sajet wrote.
Sajet's resignation comes after President Donald Trump announced on May 30 that he had fired her, without citing any legal authority for doing so. Trump called her a 'highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI, which is totally inappropriate for her position.'
Sajet continued reporting for work as usual throughout early June.
After an all-day meeting on Monday, the Smithsonian's Board of Regents, without directly mentioning the standoff between the White House and Sajet, issued a statement saying that 'all personnel decisions' are directed by Bunch, secretary for the Smithsonian. The board also said that it supported Bunch's 'authority and management' of the institution.
The statement also said that the board had directed Bunch to 'articulate specific expectations to museum directors and staff regarding content in Smithsonian museums' and to 'report back to the Board on progress and any needed personnel changes.'
Bunch told Smithsonian staff that Kevin Gover, the undersecretary for museums and culture, would serve as acting director for the National Portrait Gallery.
In March, Trump signed an executive order that directed Vice President JD Vance to scrutinize the Smithsonian, which the order said had fallen under the influence of 'divisive, race-centered ideology.'
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