After serving for 12 years, Kim Sajet has stepped down from her position as director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Her departure follows weeks of controversy after President Trump publicly stated he was firing her.

In a note to staff,shared by Smithsonian Institution leader Lonnie Bunch,Sajet stated,”It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead the Smithsonian’s National portrait Gallery. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is the right one… Today, I believe that stepping aside is the best way to serve the institution I hold so deeply in my heart.”

The proclamation comes after Trump’s May 30 post on Truth Social that he was firing Sajet, where he described her as “a highly partisan person, and a strong supporter of DEI.” Sajet was the first woman to hold the director position at the National Portrait Gallery.

Questions arose regarding Trump’s authority to terminate Sajet, as the Smithsonian is independent of the executive branch. Reports indicated that