Michelle Obama, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama, 2018, was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery.” loading=”lazy”/>
Amy Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama,titled Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama,2018,was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery.
Courtesy of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery
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Courtesy of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery
The Smithsonian Institution, a recipient of federal funding, has faced scrutiny from the white House. In May, President Trump reportedly sought to dismiss Kim Sajet, the director of the National Portrait Gallery, citing her support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. later, in June, the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents issued a statement affirming that the federally funded institution must remain “free from political or partisan influence,” asserting that personnel decisions fall under the purview of the Smithsonian’s secretary. Sajet ultimately resigned two weeks later on her own accord.
Jennifer Vanasco handled the digital and broadcast editing for this story.
