President Trump removes Kim Sajet from National Portrait Gallery post, citing strong support for DEI as inappropriate.

Trump Terminates Gallery Director Over Political Allegiances

President Donald Trump announced the removal of Kim Sajet as Director of the National Portrait Gallery on Friday, citing her outspoken support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The decision was revealed in a post on Truth Social, where Trump criticized Sajet as being “highly partisan.”

“Upon the request and recommendation of many people, I am hereby terminating the employment of Kim Sajet as Director of the National Portrait Gallery,” the statement read. “She is a strong supporter of DEI, which is totally inappropriate for her position.”

Trump added that Sajet’s successor would be named soon, signaling a continued reshuffling of key personnel within federal institutions to align with his administration’s agenda.

Sajet had served as director since 2013 and was the first woman to hold the role. Her tenure emphasized civic engagement and the use of portraiture to promote educational experiences. She previously led the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and held leadership roles at major art institutions in Philadelphia. Born in Nigeria and raised in Australia, she holds Dutch citizenship and moved to the U.S. in 1997.

Controversy Over Curatorial Decisions and Donations

The administration highlighted several reasons for Sajet’s dismissal, including her reported political donations to Democratic candidates, including Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton. Officials also criticized the gallery’s caption for President Trump’s portrait, which referenced his impeachments and 2024 comeback as historically unique. The caption was reportedly curated during Sajet’s leadership.

Administration officials called out Sajet’s earlier claim that the gallery avoided editorial bias. “We try very much not to editorialize,” she had stated. “I want someone reading the label to understand that it’s based on historical fact.” The White House argued the Trump portrait caption conflicted with that principle.

The decision is part of a wider effort by the administration to eliminate DEI programs and remove officials perceived as politically misaligned. On Inauguration Day, Trump signed an executive order dismantling all federal DEI initiatives. The following day, agencies were instructed to shutter DEI offices and place affected staff on paid leave.

This latest dismissal follows the recent termination of Shira Perlmutter, head of the U.S. Copyright Office, and Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress. Both were informed via email, continuing a pattern of swift personnel changes targeting high-profile positions.

As Trump continues to restructure key institutions, the removal of Sajet underscores the administration’s broader cultural and political realignment strategy. Observers anticipate further reshuffling in roles deemed incompatible with the administration’s evolving priorities.