Ranking Members’ Joint Statement on President Trump’s Attempt to Fire the National Portrait Gallery Director

WASHINGTON—Today, House Administration Committee Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25) and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) issued a joint statement following President Trump’s illegal attempt to fire the Director of the National Portrait Gallery:

“President Trump has no authority to fire employees of the Smithsonian Institution - including the Director of the National Portrait Gallery. The dismissal of Director Sajet is unacceptable and has the same legal weight as the President’s prior attempts to undermine the Smithsonian’s independence: absolutely none. Should the White House require a copy of the Constitution, we would be more than happy to provide one.”

Background:

On April 17, 2025, Ranking Member Morelle led all Democratic House Administration Committee members in rejecting the President’s Proclamation on the Smithsonian Institution.

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