Hold onto your hats, folks—President Trump just dropped a bombshell by firing the director of the National Portrait Gallery.
Just The News reported that in a move that’s got Washington buzzing, Trump announced on Friday via Truth Social that Kim Sajet, the gallery’s director, is out of a job, citing her partisan leanings and support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies as the reasons for her abrupt exit.
The decision came straight from the top, with Trump making it clear he’s not messing around when it comes to ideological bias in public institutions.
“Upon the request and recommendation of many people, I am hereby terminating the employment of Kim Sajet as Director of the National Portrait Gallery,” he declared on his social media platform. Well, that’s one way to send a message—turns out, perceived partisanship has a price.
Let’s unpack this: Trump didn’t hold back in his reasoning, labeling Sajet as someone with strong political biases unfit for her role.
He pointed specifically to her advocacy for DEI initiatives, which he called “totally inappropriate” for the position. For conservatives, this feels like a long-overdue stand against progressive agendas creeping into cultural spaces.
Adding fuel to the fire, data from the Federal Elections Commission shows Sajet has backed Democratic figures like Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton in the past. That’s not exactly a secret handshake for neutrality, is it? For many on the right, this kind of history raises eyebrows about whether public institutions are truly serving all Americans or just a select ideological crowd.
Then there’s the report from The Hill, which noted Sajet contributed to Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign through ActBlue.
If you’re aiming to appear impartial while leading a national cultural institution, writing checks to political campaigns might not be the best look. Actions, as they say, speak louder than curated exhibits.
Trump doubled down on his critique of Sajet’s stance on DEI, making it a centerpiece of his decision to let her go. “She is a highly partisan person and a strong supporter of DEI,” he stated in his Truth Social post. To many conservatives, this signals a broader pushback against policies they see as divisive rather than unifying.
For years, DEI frameworks have been a lightning rod, with critics arguing they prioritize identity over merit in ways that can alienate more than include.
When such initiatives are championed by leaders of taxpayer-funded institutions, it’s no surprise some feel a line has been crossed. Trump’s move here seems to echo that frustration loud and clear.
Now, let’s be fair—Sajet’s supporters might argue she was simply reflecting the values of a diverse society in her work. But when your donor history leans so heavily to one side of the political aisle, it’s hard to claim the mantle of impartiality. Balance matters, especially in a role that shapes how we see our nation’s history through art.
Looking ahead, Trump assured the public that a new director will be named soon to take the helm at the National Portrait Gallery. That’s a relief for those worried about a leadership vacuum in one of the country’s premier cultural institutions.
The question is, who will step into Sajet’s shoes—and will they face the same scrutiny? For now, the right-leaning crowd is likely cheering this as a win for accountability in public roles.
The idea of a national gallery free from overt political slant is appealing to those who believe art should transcend partisan divides.
Still, the debate over what “neutral” really means will undoubtedly rage on. Critics of the firing might see this as an overreach, a sign of Trump flexing muscle where it’s not needed.
But for many conservatives, it’s a reminder that leadership in cultural spaces isn’t above review, especially when public trust is at stake. If you’re steering a national treasure, maybe keep the political donations under wraps next time.
This firing isn’t just about one person; it’s a signal of a larger cultural tug-of-war playing out across America. Conservatives have long argued that institutions like the National Portrait Gallery should reflect the nation’s history without a heavy-handed ideological filter. Trump’s decision feels like a shot across the bow for those pushing progressive priorities in public spaces.