National Portrait Gallery director resigns after Trump’s attempts to oust her

Kim Sajet, director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, has officially stepped down from her position, just two weeks after former President Donald Trump claimed he had dismissed her, accusing her of political bias and strong support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

The announcement of Sajet’s resignation was made in an internal message on Friday, June 13, 2025, by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, who praised her for prioritizing the institution during a turbulent period.

“We thank Kim for her service,” Bunch wrote.

“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 are grateful.”

Bunch went on to acknowledge Sajet’s accomplishments over her 12-year tenure, highlighting her efforts to transform the gallery’s approach to portraiture and public engagement.

“We are grateful to Kim for leading the National Portrait Gallery with passion and creativity… She reimagined and reshaped how portraiture impacts and tells stories.”

Sajet’s resignation follows a recent confrontation between the Trump administration and the Smithsonian Institution.

On May 30, Trump declared via public statement that he had fired Sajet, accusing her of being “highly partisan” and an inappropriate advocate of DEI.

He cited her past Democratic political donations and her rejection of a pro-Trump painting by artist Julian Raven as evidence of her alleged bias.

Raven had previously claimed that Sajet told him his artwork was “too pro-Trump” and “too political” to be displayed in the gallery.

This incident, which dates back to 2019, was referenced in Trump’s statement as a reason for her removal.

Despite Trump’s assertion, the Smithsonian leadership promptly pushed back.

In a statement released the following Monday, the Smithsonian Board of Regents emphasized the institution’s independence.

It said that personnel decisions fall under the authority of the Secretary of the Smithsonian, with oversight by the board.

The board did not mention Trump or Sajet by name, but the message was seen as a direct rebuttal to the former president’s attempt to interfere.

The Smithsonian Institution, which is nearly two centuries old, has long maintained a governance structure designed to shield it from political influence.

Following Trump’s announcement, Sajet continued performing her duties through early June, creating a high-profile standoff between the federal government and one of the nation’s most prominent cultural institutions.

Appointed in 2013, Sajet made history as the first woman to lead the National Portrait Gallery.

During her leadership, the museum gained recognition for inclusive and contemporary exhibitions, including popular portrayals of American figures across a broad political and cultural spectrum.

In Friday’s internal memo, Sajet included a farewell statement reflecting on her decision and her years of service.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery,” she wrote.

“This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is the right one.

“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.”

Sajet added that the role of museum director has never been about one person but rather “a shared mission” supported by a dedicated and creative team.

Following her departure, Kevin Gover, the Smithsonian’s undersecretary for museums and culture, has been appointed as the acting director of the National Portrait Gallery.

The White House, under Trump’s leadership, issued its own statement regarding the situation.

David Ingle, a spokesperson, said: “On day one, President Trump made clear that there is no place for dangerous anti-American ideology in our government and institutions.

In line with this objective, he ordered the termination of Kim Sajet. The Trump Administration is committed to restoring American greatness and celebrating our nation’s proud history.”

Sajet’s resignation underscores the growing tension between federal cultural institutions and the Trump administration’s stance on DEI and perceived political bias.

Her departure marks the end of a transformative era at the National Portrait Gallery and raises questions about how future museum leadership will navigate the intersection of culture, politics, and historical storytelling.

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