Smithsonian Reasserts Autonomy After Trump Firing Claim

The Smithsonian Institution has reaffirmed its independence after President Donald Trump announced he had fired Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery, citing partisanship and support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The Smithsonian clarified that personnel decisions are made by Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch and overseen by the Board of Regents, not the president. Despite Trump’s claim, Sajet remains in her role. The Board, established by Congress in 1846, emphasized its commitment to nonpartisanship and autonomy amid political pressures. It has directed the Secretary to set clear expectations regarding museum content and report on progress to uphold unbiased presentations. These actions follow proposed federal funding cuts and continued scrutiny from the Trump administration.