Jeffrey Brown:
At the end of may, President Trump announced he was firing Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery, a Smithsonian museum.
In a TRUTH Social post, he accused her of being a highly partisan person and a strong supporter of DEI. For now, though, Sajet remains in her job. Yesterday, 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.
But it also directed him to take steps to — quote — “ensure unbiased content” at Smithsonian museums.
And, for more, I’m joined by Philip Kennicott. He’s Pulitzer Prize-winning art and architecture critic for The Washington Post.
Thanks so much for joining us.
So, first, a backing of Lonnie Bunch, an assertion that the Smithsonian has the right to fire and hire people, that sounds to be like pushing back a bit against President Trump. What do you make of it?
