Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, WHITE HOUSE NEWS—Smithsonian appears to respond to Trump’s attempted termination of National Portrait Gallery director, (Jun 10, 2025)

By Brandi O. Brown, J.D.

The President purported to fire the Director on Twitter because she is a “strong supporter of DEI” and purportedly a “highly partisan person.”

On May 30, 2025, President Trump wrote on his social media platform: “Upon the request and recommendation of many people, I am herby terminating the employment of Dr. 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!” According to many reports, however, Dr. Sajet continues to report for work.

Smithsonian statement. Yesterday, the Smithsonian, which is governed and administered by a Board of Regents and a Secretary, issued a statement that appeared to provide an oblique reference to Trump’s attempt to sack the NPG Director. “All personnel decisions are made by and subject to the direction of the Secretary,” the release stated, “with oversight by the Board. Lonnie G. Bunch, the Secretary, has the support of the Board of Regents in his authority and management of the Smithsonian.”

The release also contained the following statements:

“Since its inception, the Smithsonian has set out to be a nonpartisan institution. As the nation’s museum, the Smithsonian must be a welcoming place of knowledge and discovery for all Americans. 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.

To reinforce our nonpartisan stature, the Board of Regents has directed the Secretary to articulate specific expectations to museum directors and staff regarding content in Smithsonian museums, give directors reasonable time to make any needed changes to ensure unbiased content, and to report back to the Board on progress and any needed personnel changes based on success or lack thereof in making the needed changes.”

Sajet has a doctorate in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University, a master’s degree in art history from Bryn Mawr College, a master’s degree in business administration from Melbourne University Business School in Australia, a bachelor’s degree in art history from Melbourne University, and a graduate diploma in Museum studies from Deakin University in Australia. She has also completed arts leadership training at the Harvard Business School, the Getty Institute, and National Arts Strategies. She was appointed as Director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in 2013.

News: WhiteHouseNews AgencyNews PublicEmployees