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
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Articles (7)
"…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."
PBS NewsHour·21d·"…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."
The Guardian·21d·"…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."
CNN·21d·"…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."
NPR·21d·"…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.""
ABC News·21d·"…The Smithsonian must be a welcoming place of knowledge and discovery for all Americans."
Daily Caller·21d·"…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."
Daily Signal·21d·FAQ
The executive orders aim to eliminate what Trump considers 'divisive narratives' and 'improper ideology' from institutions like the Smithsonian, focusing on race and gender issues, and to restore federal historical sites to traditional interpretations.
The Smithsonian maintains its independence through personnel decisions made by the Secretary with oversight from the Board of Regents, ensuring that the institution remains free from partisan influence.
Trump's efforts have sparked controversy over political interference, particularly in his attempts to remove directors like Kim Sajet from the National Portrait Gallery, which highlights the tension between political influence and institutional independence.
History
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