Kim Sajet
Kim Sajet | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1964 or 1965 (age 60–61) Nigeria |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Education | University of Melbourne (BA, MBA) Deakin University (GrDip) Bryn Mawr College (MA) Georgetown University (DLS) |
| Occupation(s) | art historian, curator |
| Website | Official website |
Kim Sajet (born 1964/1965)[1] is a Nigerian-born Dutch art historian and curator who was the director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery.[2] Appointed in 2013, Sajet became the first woman to hold this post.[2][3][4] During her tenure at the museum, she worked to increase representation of women and minorities in the Portrait Gallery's collection.[5]
In May 2025, Sajet's appointment was purportedly terminated by a directive from President Donald Trump. The following month, she resigned her post.
Biography
Sajet was born to Dutch parents in Nigeria and raised in Australia from the age of four; she is a citizen of the Netherlands.[6][7] She has a doctorate in liberal studies from Georgetown University, a Master's degree in art history from Bryn Mawr College, a master's degree in business administration, a bachelor's degree in art history from University of Melbourne, and a graduate diploma in museum studies from Deakin University.[8]
Sajet began as director of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., on April 1, 2013. This role followed her stint as the president and CEO of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.[7] Prior to that role, she was a deputy director of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and spent time as a curator and director at two Australian art museums.[9]
On May 30, 2025, President Donald Trump claimed to have fired Sajet. Legal experts said such an order would have to come from Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, as Sajet's position is appointed not by the president but by the Smithsonian Board of Regents.[10][11] On June 9, 2025, the Smithsonian released a statement asserting their authority, stating that "all personnel decisions are made by and subject to the direction of the secretary, with oversight by the board".[12][13]
On June 13, 2025, Sajet resigned as director of the National Portrait Gallery. In a staff memo, she stated "Today, I believe that stepping aside is the best way to serve the institution I hold so deeply in my heart." Smithsonian secretary Lonnie Bunch thanked Sajet for her service and her decision to "put the needs of the Institution above her own".[14]
See also
References
- ^ Pogrebin, Robin; Bowley, Graham (June 13, 2025). "A Smithsonian Museum Director Steps Down in Wake of Trump's 'Firing'". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 13, 2025. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
Ms. Sajet, 60, ...
- ^ a b "The Dutchwoman guiding the gallery of America's most famous faces". The Guardian. December 31, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ "Trump fires Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet". Los Angeles Times. May 30, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ "Trump Says He's Fired Director of National Portrait Gallery … Over 'DEI'". Rolling Stone. May 30, 2025. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ McGlone, Peggy (October 25, 2015). "Experimentation is key to success for National Portrait Gallery's director". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
- ^ Boyle, Katherine (March 29, 2013). "Kim Sajet enters the picture at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
- ^ a b "Kim Sajet Becomes Director of National Portrait Gallery". Artforum.com. February 5, 2013. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
- ^ "Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery Director and Senior Historian Spotlight Newly Acquired Painting of Truman and Portraiture's Value in Illuminating History". Kansas City Public Library. 2015. Archived from the original on July 9, 2021. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
- ^ "Kim Sajet named U.S. Portrait Gallery chief". Politico. Associated Press. February 5, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
- ^ Mackey, Robert (May 30, 2025). "Trump says he fired National Portrait Gallery chief in latest conflict with arts". The Guardian. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ Kingsberry, Janay; Judkis, Maura; Nguyen, Sophia; Tashjian, Rachel; Yuan, Jada (May 30, 2025). "Trump says he fired museum director as his budget targets Smithsonian". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
- ^ Gedeon, Josseph (June 10, 2025). "Smithsonian rejects Trump's attempt to fire National Portrait Gallery director". The Guardian. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
- ^ "Smithsonian Statement". Smithsonian. June 9, 2025. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
- ^ Chao-Fong, Léonie (June 13, 2025). "Director of National Portrait Gallery resigns after Trump's effort to fire her". The Guardian. Retrieved June 13, 2025.