Smithsonian Institution Stands Firm Against Political Interference Amid Trump’s Executive Orders
The Smithsonian reaffirms its nonpartisan stance as Trump seeks to influence museum leadership and content through executive orders targeting perceived anti-American programs.
Overview
- Former President Trump signed executive orders aimed at curbing government spending on Smithsonian exhibits he deemed inappropriate.
- The Smithsonian Institution maintains its nonpartisan commitment despite Trump's attempts to influence gallery director positions.
- Personnel decisions at the Smithsonian are made by the Secretary with oversight from the Board of Regents to prevent partisan influence.
- Trump's efforts to remove Kim Sajet as director of the National Portrait Gallery have sparked controversy over political interference.
- The Smithsonian's Board of Regents is dedicated to ensuring the institution remains free from political influence, reinforcing its independence.
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Analysis
Left
Target government spending and personnel decisions to eliminate perceived partisan influence at the Smithsonian.
Trump signed an executive order to overhaul government spending on exhibits and programs, specifically targeting anti-American ideology in the museum system and aiming to revamp the Smithsonian.
The Secretary of the Smithsonian has sole authority over all personnel decisions, with oversight from the board of regents.
The Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex, operates 21 museums and the National Zoo, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Sajet is the first woman to serve as director of the National Portrait Gallery.
Center
There are not enough sources from this perspective to provide an analysis.
Right
There are not enough sources from this perspective to provide an analysis.
Left
Target government spending and personnel decisions to eliminate perceived partisan influence at the Smithsonian.
Trump signed an executive order to overhaul government spending on exhibits and programs, specifically targeting anti-American ideology in the museum system and aiming to revamp the Smithsonian.
The Secretary of the Smithsonian has sole authority over all personnel decisions, with oversight from the board of regents.
The Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex, operates 21 museums and the National Zoo, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Sajet is the first woman to serve as director of the National Portrait Gallery.
Center
There are not enough sources from this perspective to provide an analysis.
Right
There are not enough sources from this perspective to provide an analysis.
Articles (7)
PBS NewsHour·4d·"…The Smithsonian's Board of Regents met and issued a statement declaring that all personnel decisions are made by and subject to the direction of Secretary Bunch, with oversight by the board, and that Bunch has the board's support."
The Guardian·5d·"…The standoff centers on Kim Sajet, whom Trump announced he had fired on 30 May, calling her “highly partisan and a strong supporter of DEI” – or diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives – on social media."
CNN·5d·"…The Smithsonian Institution on Monday emphasized its “nonpartisan stature” and said “all personnel decisions” are made by its secretary more than a week after President Donald Trump said he would remove the director of the National Portrait Gallery."
NPR·5d·"…The Board of Regents is committed to ensuring that the Smithsonian is a beacon of scholarship free from political or partisan influence, and we recognize that our institution can and must do more to further these foundational values."
ABC News·4d·"…The Smithsonian tried to affirm its autonomy from outside influences in a statement on Monday after President Donald Trump announced that he fired National Portrait Gallery head Kim Sajet for being a "highly partisan person.""
Daily Caller·5d·"…The Smithsonian must be a welcoming place of knowledge and discovery for all Americans."
Daily Signal·5d·"…The Board of Regents is committed to ensuring that the Smithsonian is a beacon of scholarship free from political or partisan influence, and we recognize that our institution can and must do more to further these foundational values."