Trump Fires National Portrait Gallery Director Amidst Controversy

Trump's firing of the National Portrait Gallery director, Kim Sajet, has sparked controversy. Sajet, the first woman to hold the position, was dismissed after Trump signed an executive order targeting what he called "divisive narratives" in federally funded museums. The Smithsonian Institution, which oversees the gallery, has not yet commented on the decision. Sajet's tenure was marked by efforts to diversify the museum's collection, including commissioning a portrait of Michelle Obama by Amy Sherald, a black female artist. This portrait became the subject of a viral photograph showing a young girl gazing at it, a moment that underscores the importance of representation in art. The dismissal comes as the gallery prepares to host a family pride event. While the legality of Trump's action is unclear, it highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding cultural institutions.