Trump’s Attack on the Smithsonian: “The Aim is to Reshape America’s Cultural Landscape” | U.S. News
Political Tensions Rise as Trump Targets Arts Institutions
In May 2025, an unusual incident unfolded at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., setting the stage for a broader clash between political ideology and artistic expression in America. On that day, Kim Sajet, the gallery’s director, found herself unexpectedly thrust into the public spotlight when President Donald Trump publicly called for her termination via social media.
Unexpected Turmoil at the National Portrait Gallery
Kim Sajet, an art historian born in the Netherlands and raised in Australia, was working quietly amidst her institution’s rich history when she learned of Trump’s post. “Upon the request and recommendation of many people, I am hereby terminating the employment of Kim Sajet as Director of the National Portrait Gallery,” wrote Trump on Truth Social, labeling Sajet a “highly partisan person” and a supporter of diversity initiatives that he had previously dismantled with an executive order. “Her replacement will be named shortly,” he added.
Sajet, having spent over a decade as director of the esteemed gallery, responded with calm professionalism. Understandably unfazed by the political drama surrounding her, she recognized that her role positioned her as a public figure subject to scrutiny. “As soon as you become a director at the Smithsonian, you are a public figure,” she remarked, revealing the constant pressure from Congress and ongoing legal challenges from disgruntled artists.
The Fallout from Trump’s Executive Orders
In a bold move, Trump had previously declared himself the chair of the Kennedy Center and launched a campaign against what he termed “woke” programming. The Smithsonian and other national galleries had hoped to avoid such attention by pre-emptively shutting down diversity offices following the president’s executive orders. However, a new directive titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History” aimed to combat what the administration described as a divisive, race-centered ideology within the Smithsonian Institution.
In consultations with her superiors, Sajet and Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III quickly asserted that the president had no jurisdiction to dismiss her. A board meeting shortly thereafter confirmed her position, although it acknowledged the need for “unbiased content” in the museums.
Shifts in Cultural Narratives and Self-Censorship
As cultural battles heat up nationwide, Trump warned that museums had become bastions of “woke” ideology that painted America negatively. “Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future,” he stated, marking a determined push to reshape public sentiment regarding history and identity in America.
This shift suggests an effort to recast American history under a nationalist and triumphalist framework. Experts believe that the Trump administration’s second term will prioritize cultural matters more aggressively, seeking to redefine educational narratives across key institutions like the Smithsonian, universities, and beyond.
Institutional Responses and Consequences
In the wake of the administration’s maneuvers, some institutions have begun to experience a chilling effect leading to self-censorship. Staff members reported that discussions on sensitive topics, such as race and social justice, increasingly required more layers of review. Language associated with these topics has been softened or removed entirely in an effort to avoid backlash from the administration.
Under such conditions, many arts professionals express their frustration. They emphasize that courage from influential institutions could inspire others to follow suit. “If the Smithsonian took a stand, I think other institutions would,” one curator observed, underscoring the interconnected nature of civic engagement and cultural representation in fostering a robust democracy in America.
A New Chapter for Kim Sajet
Following her tumultuous departure from the National Portrait Gallery, Kim Sajet transitioned to the Milwaukee Art Museum, where she can operate free from political turbulence. “I’m excited about running an institution that can exist at the center of its local community,” she shared, reflecting on her new role far removed from the Trump administration’s influence.
Sajet’s commitment to enriching cultural representation remains steadfast. Her aim has always been to ensure that all Americans can see themselves in the historical narrative—an effort she views as essential to a truly representative democracy.
