The Smithsonian Institution has released its first statement since President Trump announced on social media that he had fired one of its museum directors.
The statement affirms the institution as an “independent entity” that will continue to be governed by a Board of Regents, or board of trustees, and managed by Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch.
Lonnie G. Bunch, the secretary, has the support of the Board of Regents in his authority and management of the Smithsonian.”
Trump has shown disdain for the Smithsonian Institution.
“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.”
Since President Trump announced on social media that he had fired one of the museum’s directors, the Smithsonian Institution has issued its first statement.
The statement confirms that the organization is an “independent entity” that will remain under the management of Secretary Lonnie G. and overseen by a Board of Regents, also known as a board of trustees. A bunch.
Although it doesn’t directly address President Trump’s recent allegation that he fired Kim Sajet, the statement makes it clear who is in charge of Smithsonian staff: “The Board oversees all personnel decisions, which are made by and subject to the direction of the Secretary. Lonnie G. The Board of Regents supports Bunch, the secretary, in taking charge of and running the Smithsonian. “.
The chief justice of the U. A. Court of Justice, John G. As ex officio members of the Board of Regents, Roberts and Vice President JD Vance fulfill their duties as appointed by their positions. The chief justice is also the chancellor of the Board of Regents. Three U.S. members are also on the board. S. . Senate, three U.S. S. Nine members of the public and the House of Representatives.
Trump has expressed contempt for the Smithsonian Institution. He declared in an executive order that it had fallen “under the influence of a divisive, race-centered ideology” and that his administration would “prohibit” funding for “programs or exhibits that promote programs or ideologies that are inconsistent with Federal law and policy, degrade shared American values, or divide Americans based on race.”. “..”.
On social media, he then declared on May 30 that he was “terminating” Sajet, describing her as “a highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI, which is totally inappropriate for her position.”. However, The Washington Post reports that Sajet kept showing up for work.
While reaffirming the Smithsonian’s independence, the statement makes no reference to Trump’s executive order or remarks regarding Sajet.
“The Board of Regents is dedicated to safeguarding the Smithsonian as a scholarly lighthouse free from partisan or political influence, and we acknowledge that there is more our institution can and should do to advance these fundamental principles. “..”.
Additionally, according to the statement, Secretary Bunch has been instructed by the Board of Regents “to make clear expectations to museum directors and staff about the content in Smithsonian museums, give directors enough time to make any necessary changes to ensure impartial content, and report back to the Board on progress and any necessary personnel changes based on success or the lack thereof in making the necessary changes.”. “,”.
