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6d ago

Kim Sajet Resigns as National Portrait Gallery Director After Trump Ouster Bid

Smithsonian officials installed Kevin Gover as acting director to affirm the institution’s independence in personnel matters

In this 2023 photo, Kim Sajet speaks on stage during the unveiling of Oprah Winfrey's portrait at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC.
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Overview

  • Kim Sajet resigned on June 13 after President Donald Trump declared on May 30 that he had fired her over her support for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
  • Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch praised Sajet’s 12 years of leadership and recognized her decision to prioritize the museum’s interests.
  • The Smithsonian’s Board of Regents issued a statement confirming that staffing decisions are made by the secretary under board oversight.
  • Undersecretary for museums and culture Kevin Gover has assumed the role of acting director at the National Portrait Gallery.
  • The conflict follows a March executive order from Trump that directed Vice President JD Vance to scrutinize the Smithsonian for alleged race-centered ideology.