National Portrait Gallery head resigns after Trump attempted to push her out over promotion of DEI

The director of the National Portrait Gallery on Friday announced she was leaving the Washington, D.C. museum, stating she felt her exit was the best decision for the art museum.

National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet's resignation comes two weeks after President Donald Trump attempted to fire her after accusing her of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III confirmed the departure in an internal memo obtained by The Hill, and announced that Kevin Gover, the undersecretary for museums and culture, will take her place on an interim basis.

“We are grateful to Kim for leading the National Portrait Gallery with passion and creativity for 12 years. Throughout her tenure, she has reimagined and reshaped the impact and storytelling of portraiture,” Bunch wrote in the memo. 

Sajet, who took the helm in 2013 as the museum's first female director, was born in Nigeria but raised in Australia. She has a doctorate in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University, and a Master’s degree in art history from Bryn Mawr College.

The director also confirmed the news in a statement accompanying the memo, claiming the decision to step down was not an easy one to make. 

"From the very beginning, my guiding principle has been to put the museum first. Today, I believe that stepping aside is the best way to serve the institution I hold so deeply in my heart,” Sajet said. “The role of a museum director has never been about one individual—it is a shared mission, driven by the passion, creativity, and dedication of an extraordinary team.” 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.