Latest news with #Smithsonian-affiliated
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National Portrait Gallery director to step down following Trump's ‘firing'
Kim Sajet is stepping down from her position as director of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, even as the network of museums disputed President Donald Trump's announcement he was terminating her last month. 'We thank Kim for her service. Her decision to put the museum first is to be applauded and appreciated. I know this was not an easy decision. She put the needs of the Institution above her own, and for that we thank her,' Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III wrote in an email sent to employees, which was shared with POLITICO. Kevin Gover, undersecretary for museums and culture, has replaced Sajet as acting director of the museum. The New York Times first reported Sajet's departure. Trump announced his attempt to fire Sajet in a Truth Social post on May 30, referring to the director as 'highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI, which is totally inappropriate for her position.' But whether the president had the authority to remove Sajet was unclear — and the Smithsonian, an independent organization created by Congress, disputed that he did. Trump — and the Department of Government Efficiency — has sought to influence or take over independent organizations with ties to the government, including the U.S. Institute for Peace. Sajet's departure comes days after the Smithsonian released a statement reiterating the institution's position as an independent entity and maintaining control over personnel decisions. The statement did not name Sajet or mention the Trump administration directly. 'The Board of Regents is committed to ensuring that the Smithsonian is a beacon of scholarship free from political or partisan influence, and we recognize that our institution can and must do more to further these foundational values,' the statement, released Monday, reads. The Smithsonian has been subject to mounting pressure from the administration. Trump signed an executive order in March that seeks to 'remove improper ideology' from Smithsonian-affiliated institutions, including barring exhibits or programs that 'degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy.' Sajet was the museum's first woman director, leading the institution for 12 years. 'It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is the right one,' Sajet wrote in a statement shared with POLITICO. 'From the very beginning, my guiding principle has been to put the museum first. Today, I believe that stepping aside is the best way to serve the institution I hold so deeply in my heart.'
Politico
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Politico
National Portrait Gallery director to step down following Trump's ‘firing'
Kim Sajet is stepping down from her position as director of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, even as the network of museums disputed President Donald Trump's announcement he was terminating her last month. 'We thank Kim for her service. Her decision to put the museum first is to be applauded and appreciated. I know this was not an easy decision. She put the needs of the Institution above her own, and for that we thank her,' Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III wrote in an email sent to employees, which was shared with POLITICO. Kevin Gover, undersecretary for museums and culture, has replaced Sajet as acting director of the museum. The New York Times first reported Sajet's departure. Trump announced his attempt to fire Sajet in a Truth Social post on May 30, referring to the director as 'highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI, which is totally inappropriate for her position.' But whether the president had the authority to remove Sajet was unclear — and the Smithsonian, an independent organization created by Congress, disputed that he did. Trump — and the Department of Government Efficiency — has sought to influence or take over independent organizations with ties to the government, including the U.S. Institute for Peace. Sajet's departure comes days after the Smithsonian released a statement reiterating the institution's position as an independent entity and maintaining control over personnel decisions. The statement did not name Sajet or mention the Trump administration directly. 'The Board of Regents is committed to ensuring that the Smithsonian is a beacon of scholarship free from political or partisan influence, and we recognize that our institution can and must do more to further these foundational values,' the statement, released Monday, reads. The Smithsonian has been subject to mounting pressure from the administration. Trump signed an executive order in March that seeks to 'remove improper ideology' from Smithsonian-affiliated institutions, including barring exhibits or programs that 'degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy.' Sajet was the museum's first woman director, leading the institution for 12 years. 'It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is the right one,' Sajet wrote in a statement shared with POLITICO. 'From the very beginning, my guiding principle has been to put the museum first. Today, I believe that stepping aside is the best way to serve the institution I hold so deeply in my heart.'
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Smithsonian says it's committed to being free from ‘partisan influence' after Trump tries to remove gallery director
The Smithsonian Institution on Monday emphasized its 'nonpartisan stature' and said 'all personnel decisions' are made by its secretary more than a week after President Donald Trump said he would remove the director of the National Portrait Gallery. The institution said in a statement on Monday that 'all personnel decisions are made by and subject to the direction of the Secretary, with oversight by the Board.' It comes amid tension in recent months between several art institutions and the president, who has tried to reshape leadership and put in place his own personnel choices. Trump claimed in late May that he was removing Kim Sajet as director of the National Portrait Gallery. Sajet, who has led the Smithsonian-affiliated institution since 2013, is the first woman to serve in that role. The president cited concerns over her political leanings and support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, though his statement did not cite specific incidents or provide evidence of partisanship. 'She is a highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI, which is totally inappropriate for her position. Her replacement will be named shortly. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Trump wrote in a Truth Social post at the time. The Smithsonian's statement also noted that the institution has set out to be nonpartisan and that its Board of Regents 'is committed to ensuring that the Smithsonian is a beacon of scholarship free from political or partisan influence.' The board directed the secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, 'to articulate specific expectations to museum directors and staff regarding content in Smithsonian museums,' give directors time to make changes to 'ensure unbiased content' and report back on progress and any needed personnel changes. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who sits on the Smithsonian board and is the chancellor, previously declined to comment on the matter. CNN has reached out to Roberts on the latest statement by the board of regents. CNN has also reached out to the Smithsonian Institution, National Portrait Gallery and White House for comment. Trump has removed several members of independent agencies and entities since the start of his second term, including the board of trustees and chairman at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, senior officials at federal labor agencies, Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission and inspectors general from more than a dozen federal agencies. The Smithsonian Institution — the world's largest museum complex, including 21 museums and the National Zoo — has also been a target for the Trump administration as he has looked to influence American cultural and artistic institutions. The president signed an executive order in March that put Vice President JD Vance, who also serves on the Smithsonian's board of regents, in charge of stopping government spending on 'exhibits or programs that degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy.' In his order, Trump specifically targeted the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Smithsonian American Art Museum as carrying exhibits and promoting language he deemed inappropriate. He also signed an order in March directing the Institution of Museum and Library Services, who supports museums and libraries in all 50 states, among several other government entities, to be 'eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.'
CNN
10-06-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Smithsonian says it's committed to being free from ‘partisan influence' after Trump tries to remove gallery director
The Smithsonian Institution on Monday emphasized its 'nonpartisan stature' and said 'all personnel decisions' are made by its secretary more than a week after President Donald Trump said he would remove the director of the National Portrait Gallery. The institution said in a statement on Monday that 'all personnel decisions are made by and subject to the direction of the Secretary, with oversight by the Board.' It comes amid tension in recent months between several art institutions and the president who has tried to reshape leadership and put in place his own personnel choices. Trump claimed in late May that he was removing Kim Sajet as director of the National Portrait Gallery. Sajet, who has led the Smithsonian-affiliated institution since 2013, is the first woman to serve in that role. The president cited concerns over her political leanings and support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, though his statement did not cite specific incidents or provide evidence of partisanship. 'She is a highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI, which is totally inappropriate for her position. Her replacement will be named shortly. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Trump wrote in a Truth Social post at the time. The Smithsonian's statement also noted that the institution has set out to be nonpartisan and that its Board of Regents 'is committed to ensuring that the Smithsonian is a beacon of scholarship free from political or partisan influence.' The board directed the secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, 'to articulate specific expectations to museum directors and staff regarding content in Smithsonian museums,' give directors time to make changes to 'ensure unbiased content' and report back on progress and any needed personnel changes. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who sits on the Smithsonian board and is the Chancellor, previously declined to comment on the matter. CNN has reached out to Roberts on the latest statement by the board of regents. CNN has also reached out to the Smithsonian Institution, National Portrait Gallery and White House for comment. Trump has removed several members of independent agencies and entities since the start of his second term, including the board of trustees and chairman at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, senior officials at federal labor agencies, Democratic members of the Federal Trade Commission and inspectors general from more than a dozen federal agencies. The Smithsonian Institution — the world's largest museum complex, including 21 museums and the National Zoo — has also been a target for the Trump administration as he has looked to influence American cultural and artistic institutions. The president signed an executive order in March that put Vice President JD Vance, who also serves on the Smithsonian's board of regents, in charge of stopping government spending on 'exhibits or programs that degrade shared American values, divide Americans based on race, or promote programs or ideologies inconsistent with Federal law and policy.' In his order, Trump specifically targeted the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Smithsonian American Art Museum as carrying exhibits and promoting language he deemed inappropriate. He also signed an order in March directing the Institution of Museum and Library Services, who supports museums and libraries in all 50 states, among several other government entities, to be 'eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.'
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
John LaFalce remembered by those he helped on their journeys
Ask about John LaFalce and you will likely hear about his intelligence, his ability to reach across the aisle, and how important the legislation he helped pass in Congress was to his home. 'He was a registered Democrat, but he represented all of Western New York,' said Mary Brennan-Taylor, one of his former staffers who is now the vice president of programs for the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier. 'He may have been born in Buffalo, but he truly was Niagara County's congressman.' The Tonawanda resident who served in Congress from 1975 to 2003 died April 11 at Niagara Hospice, reportedly from kidney failure. He was 85 years old. His legacy in Niagara County was cemented early in his career, as he got Superfund legislation enacted in the wake of the Love Canal crisis. He and then-President Jimmy Carter were in Niagara Falls in October 1980 as Carter signed the second emergency declaration for the area, permitting federal funds to help relocate more than 500 families residing near the toxic site. Among other issues, LaFalce fought against predatory lending practices, helped keep Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station open in 1995, secured federal funding for improving Olcott Harbor in the early '90s, and helped with plans to turn the vacant Turtle building in Niagara Falls into a Smithsonian-affiliated museum. Brennan-Taylor worked on LaFalce's first Congressional campaign in 1974, appreciating his approach to public service and sharing similar views on important issues as the then-New York State Assembly member was running for higher office. The two kept in touch after he won, and in 1992 LaFalce asked her to work for him in his district office. In his Buffalo and Niagara Falls offices, Brennan-Taylor would advise the congressman on many issues simmering in his district, whether it had to do with the nuclear materials at the Niagara Falls Storage Site in Lewiston or wanting the Peace Bridge border crossing to be a double span. LaFalce took the time to take care of smaller matters such as helping a constituent's father get his World War II medal. LaFalce was also more than comfortable being among his constituents, whether on Pine Avenue in Niagara Falls or meeting with the UAW Local 686 in Lockport, or bringing federal employees to his district to see the conditions for themselves. 'When working with perhaps an opponent or someone who didn't agree with you, he would allow grace and not back them into a corner,' Brennan-Taylor said. 'That is missing in politics.' Lockport native Kim Glas, the current president and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, also got her start in Washington politics working for LaFalce from 2000 to 2003. Her desire to work for him came after one of her SUNY Geneseo professors, Bill Cook, had LaFalce mentor him in a Congressional race. 'I was intent to work for John,' Glas said. 'I loved his intellect. He was a workhorse who put Western New York first.' Glas was part of his small staff as a senior legislative assistant and deputy press secretary, whose duties involved advising floor votes on legislation, writing op-eds and letters, and advising LaFalce on issues in the district. As the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, LaFalce was instrumental in enacting financial services reform in the wake of 9/11, making sure American institutions would not unknowingly fund terrorist activity. From there, Glas continued on at Capitol Hill for another seven years before joining the Obama administration, working for the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. But she never forgot the lessons she learned in LaFalce's office. 'He always taught me to ask the hard questions and be thoughtful in your approach,' Glas said. Tributes have poured in for LaFalce from various New York politicians including Gov. Kathy Hochul, who worked in his office in the 1980s, and U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer. U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, said in a statement, 'Congressman LaFalce will be remembered for all that he did. However, standing up for the residents of Love Canal in the face of environmental catastrophe, and directing the eyes of the world on Western New York, forced a national reckoning with the dangers of industrial pollution, further underscored his fearless leadership.' The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Buffalo Niagara Chapter recognized LaFalce for his part in the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988, which made it easier for women to start their own businesses. 'Congressman LaFalce gave women business owners a seat at the table and the tools to build lasting success,' chapter president Patti Lamcabelli said. 'His vision, paired with NAWBO's advocacy, helped open doors for generations of women entrepreneurs.' Nate McMurray, who ran for Congress several times in the past decade, had LaFalce's endorsement during the 2020 campaign in the 27th Congressional District. 'He was the last of a breed: a man of books and parishes, of law and labor, of corner tables and Latin Mass,' McMurray said in a Facebook post. 'He had rough edges, yes—but he came from a time when public service was about more than power. It was about stewardship.'
