The controversy began when Trump announced on social media that he had fired Sajet, raising immediate questions about his legal authority to make such a decision regarding a Smithsonian Institution employee. Despite Trump's public declaration, Sajet continued reporting to work until she formally resigned from her position, highlighting the complex governance structure of the nation's premier cultural institutions.
According to a detailed New York Times report examining Roberts' role within the Smithsonian Institution, the Chief Justice, who also serves as chancellor of the Smithsonian, personally intervened to stop internal discussions among board members who were considering complying with Trump's demands. The intervention came when Carlos Gimenez, a Republican Representative from Florida and member of the Smithsonian's board, reportedly pushed for the institution to follow Trump's directive to remove Sajet from her position.
Roberts' response was swift and decisive. When Gimenez pressed the issue during board discussions, Roberts firmly stated, "We already have a motion on the floor," effectively shutting down attempts to proceed with Trump's desired course of action. This intervention proved pivotal in maintaining the institutional independence of the Smithsonian.
The Smithsonian's board ultimately issued a comprehensive resolution that clearly established the institution's autonomy in personnel decisions. The resolution firmly asserted that the board, and only the board, possessed the authority to terminate the director of any of its museums. This statement served as a direct rebuke to external political pressure and established important precedent for protecting cultural institutions from political interference.
However, the resolution also included language that acknowledged some of the concerns that had been raised. It promised that the Smithsonian would provide directors with "reasonable time to make any needed changes to ensure unbiased content" and committed to reporting back to the board regarding "progress and any needed personnel changes based on success or lack thereof in making the needed changes."
The entire controversy stemmed from sustained pressure by Trump, who had issued an executive order earlier in the year accusing the Smithsonian of having "come under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology." In his social media post claiming to fire Sajet, Trump characterized her as "a highly partisan person" and "a strong supporter of DEI" (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives).
The political pressure and scrutiny over Sajet's leadership had broader implications for the institution's programming and exhibitions. The tensions came to a head recently when renowned artist Amy Sherald made the decision to withdraw the National Portrait Gallery's planned presentation of her mid-career survey exhibition. Sherald cited concerns over censorship, specifically stating that she had been asked to remove a portrait depicting a transgender woman posed as the Statue of Liberty from the exhibition.
This incident involving Sajet's position highlights the ongoing tensions between political authorities and cultural institutions, particularly regarding content that addresses issues of diversity, representation, and social justice. The Smithsonian Institution, as the world's largest museum and research complex, has long been viewed as a guardian of American culture and history, making questions about its independence and editorial freedom particularly significant.
Roberts' intervention demonstrates the complex web of governance surrounding major cultural institutions and the important role that institutional leaders can play in protecting these organizations from political pressure. As Chief Justice of the United States and chancellor of the Smithsonian, Roberts occupies a unique position that allowed him to effectively defend the institution's autonomy.
The resolution of this conflict establishes important precedent for how cultural institutions can maintain their independence while operating within the broader political landscape. It also underscores the ongoing debates about the role of museums and cultural institutions in addressing contemporary social issues and historical narratives.
The National Portrait Gallery, which houses the official portraits of American presidents and other significant figures in American history, continues to operate under interim leadership as the Smithsonian searches for Sajet's permanent replacement. The institution's ability to maintain its programming and mission despite this political pressure will likely be closely watched by other cultural organizations facing similar challenges.
