• Trump has fired Kim Sajet, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, citing her support for DEI initiatives.
• This decision is part of Trump's efforts to align cultural institutions with his political views.
• The legality of the firing is unclear, as the Smithsonian is independent of the federal government.

On Friday, President Donald Trump announced the termination of Kim Sajet, the longtime director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, for being “a highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI,” which he deemed “totally inappropriate for her position.” This announcement was made via his Truth Social platform, where Trump stated he acted upon "the request and recommendation of many people," promising a replacement would be named soon, according to Los Angeles Times and Newsweek.

Sajet has served as the gallery's director since her appointment in 2013 and is recognized as the first woman to lead the institution. Her background includes being born in Nigeria and raised in Australia. Prior to her tenure at the National Portrait Gallery, Sajet held leadership positions at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, reported by The New York Times and Reuters.

Legal experts have expressed uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of Trump's decision, as the Smithsonian Institution operates independently, despite receiving significant federal funding. Although Trump instructed Vice President JD Vance to oversee modifications to the Smithsonian's institutional policies, it remains unclear if he holds the legal authority to terminate Sajet, according to CBS News and The New York Times.

Trump's dismissal of Sajet aligns with his broader agenda to reshape American cultural institutions in a manner that he argues eliminates “divisive, race-centered ideology.” His recent actions include an executive order aimed at dismantling DEI programs at federally funded institutions, highlighting concerns regarding the impact of such a shift, as noted by Los Angeles Times and Reuters.