Former President Donald Trump announced the dismissal of Kim Sajet, the director of the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., criticizing her endorsement of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Trump described Sajet's stance on DEI as incompatible with her position, though he did not specify any particular actions or statements that prompted the decision.
In a brief statement posted on his social media platform, Trump stated, "Upon the request and recommendation of many people, I hereby terminate the employment of Kim Sajet. She is a highly partisan person and a strong supporter of DEI, which is totally inappropriate for her position." He added that a replacement would be appointed soon.
Kim Sajet has served as the first female director of the National Portrait Gallery since 2013. The institution, part of the Smithsonian Institution, holds over 26,000 portraits of notable American figures, including every U.S. president. Sajet, originally from Nigeria and an experienced art historian, has previously emphasized the importance of diversity in the gallery’s collection, addressing historical underrepresentation of women and African Americans.
The legality of Trump's action remains unclear, as the Smithsonian Institution operates independently despite federal funding. This dismissal is part of a broader campaign against DEI initiatives, as Trump seeks to influence the cultural and arts institutions in the nation’s capital, following his moves to restructure other organizations such as the Kennedy Center.
Opponents of Trump’s policies warn that these actions could undermine years of progress toward equity for marginalized communities. Supporters argue that DEI programs promote discrimination and impede meritocracy.
