Trump Dismisses National Portrait Gallery Director Over Diversity Support

President Donald Trump has terminated Kim Sajet, the director of the National Portrait Gallery, citing her strong support for diversity, equity, and inclusion as the primary reason for her dismissal.

This announcement came via a post on Truth Social, where Trump detailed his decision on Friday afternoon.

In his post, the president stated, “Upon the request and recommendation of many people, I am hereby terminating the employment of Kim Sajet as Director of the National Portrait Gallery. 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!”

Campaign Contributions and Political Allegiance

A White House official indicated that Sajet had contributed a total of $3,982 to Democrats. This total included donations to the presidential campaigns of former President Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, along with contributions to other Democratic figures such as former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump’s criticism extended beyond Sajet’s political contributions. He emphasized the portrayal of himself in the gallery, particularly a photo curated by Sajet. The caption under the portrait highlights his impeachments on charges of abuse of power and incitement of insurrection, specifically referencing the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

A Controversial Tenure and Response

In addition to her contributions, the official noted the irony of Sajet’s statement that the gallery strives to avoid editorializing in its curation. She had expressed a desire for visitors to read historical facts rather than experience a curator’s personal opinions in the presentation of the artworks.

The National Portrait Gallery has yet to provide an official statement regarding Sajet’s dismissal or any potential successor for the position.

Background of Kim Sajet

Sajet holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve as the director of the National Portrait Gallery. Her leadership focused on promoting learning and civic awareness using her extensive experience in the arts and education.

Before her appointment to the National Portrait Gallery, Sajet was the president and CEO of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. She also held positions at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she developed a reputation for innovative programming.

Born in Nigeria and raised in Australia, Sajet became a Netherlands citizen and relocated to the United States with her family in 1997. Her diverse background enriched her approach to leadership in the arts community.

Trump’s Administration and DEI Policies

This move to dismiss Sajet aligns with a broader strategy under the Trump administration to dismantle DEI initiatives across federal agencies. Just hours after his inauguration, Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating all DEI programs within the federal government.

The following day, he directed the Office of Personnel Management to notify agency heads to shut down DEI offices. Employees who worked in these offices were placed on paid leave as part of the administration’s efforts.

Recent Dismissals in the Administration

Earlier in the month, Trump had also fired Shira Perlmutter, who was in charge of the U.S. Copyright Office, shortly after terminating Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress. These dismissals are part of a continuing pattern in Trump’s administration to remove officials viewed as opposed to his vision and legislative plans.

Reports have indicated that both women were notified of their terminations via email, a method of communication that has drawn criticism for its impersonality.

Notably, Hayden had appointed Perlmutter to lead the Copyright Office in October 2020, aiming to bring fresh perspectives to the role.

Implications for the National Portrait Gallery

The implications of Sajet’s firing extend beyond the immediate staffing change at the National Portrait Gallery. It raises significant questions regarding the future of cultural institutions under an administration that promotes certain political beliefs while denouncing others.

The public reaction to the dismissal has been mixed, reflecting the polarized political climate in the United States. Critics argue that such moves undermine the independence and creativity of cultural sectors, which thrive on diverse perspectives and inclusive practices.

As the Trump administration continues its term, it remains to be seen how this and similar actions will affect public institutions and their approach to diversity and inclusion in the arts and beyond.

Final Thoughts on Cultural Leadership

Kim Sajet’s removal as director serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing leaders in cultural institutions today. Navigating the intersection of political views and institutional roles poses a significant dilemma for those in the arts community.

As the country approaches the 2024 election, these developments may inspire further discussions on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the U.S. cultural landscape, emphasizing the need for conversations that transcend partisan divides.

The National Portrait Gallery’s future direction under new leadership could signal shifts not only in curatorial practices but also in the broader dialogue surrounding diversity within American art institutions.