Trump's Opposition by Smithsonian, Geffen Branch of MOCA Shut Down Amid Demonstrations, Speculation over Art Deals Involving Putin's Daughter: News Briefs for June 10, 2025
The Smithsonian Institution has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its independence and scholarly integrity, following increased scrutiny from the Trump administration. In a statement, the institution defended its governance structure and the authority of Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch in managing personnel decisions.
The controversy arose when former President Trump attempted to "fire" Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery. Sajet resigned in June 2025, citing political pressure as the reason for her departure. The Smithsonian's Board of Regents reiterated its commitment to being free from political or partisan influence and recognised the need to reinforce these foundational values.
The Trump administration had issued an executive order in March 2025, directing Vice President J.D. Vance to oversee the removal of "improper ideology" and "divisive narratives" from Smithsonian programs. This led to an ongoing content and personnel review across multiple Smithsonian museums, including the National Portrait Gallery.
The Smithsonian maintains that all personnel decisions, including Sajet's resignation, are managed internally by the Secretary under oversight of the Board of Regents. The institution publicly defended this approach amid accusations from Trump that Sajet was "highly partisan." The Board reaffirmed leadership’s autonomy and its dedication to ensuring the Smithsonian operates as a scholarly institution independent of political interference.
Meanwhile, the White House initiated a broader review of eight Smithsonian museums' programming, aiming to align content with a narrative celebrating American exceptionalism and removing what it labeled as divisive or partisan content. Critics and experts have warned against political interference in museum operations.
Elsewhere, the art world continues to thrive. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has launched a new artist residency in collaboration with Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin. The focus of the residency is on artists whose practice incorporates craft or artisanal materials and methods. The three artists selected for the inaugural edition of the residency are Aspen Golann, Ibrahim Said, and Joy Harvey.
In Paris, Elizaveta Krivonogikh, also known as Elizaveta Rudnova, works at an art gallery that showcases Ukrainian artists and some Russian emigres. Kenyan-American artist Wangechi Mutu's solo show at the Galleria Borghese in Rome will feature works suspended from the ceiling, leaving "negative space" for visitors to float through.
Sydney Contemporary is debuting a new photography section called Photo Sydney in response to collector demand. The fair's director, Zoe Paulsen, said Photo Sydney will bring critical focus to contemporary photography, offering a dedicated platform for established and emerging voices in the medium.
In Australia, Sydney-based artist Jack Ball has won the Ramsay Art Prize worth AUD$100,000 for his large, multimedia installation, Heavy Grit (2024). The Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) established the biennial acquisition award in 2017, and it is considered the country's most illustrious honor for an artist under 40.
In a surprising turn of events, an 11-inch Auguste Rodin sculpture titled Despair (1892), long-thought to have been a copy, just sold for about $1 million. The Comite Rodin, which is the leading authority on Auguste Rodin, confirmed that the sculpture was originally created by Rodin and was missing after it was sold at auction in 1906.
Russian artist Nadya Tolokonnikova's durational performance, Police State, is continuing despite the museum being closed. The performance, which began in 2019, involves Tolokonnikova living in a cell modeled after a Russian police station for 100 days.
References: [1] The New York Times. (2025). Smithsonian Affirms Its Independence Amid Trump's Attacks. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/01/arts/design/smithsonian-trump-independence.html [2] The Washington Post. (2025). Trump Tries to Fire Smithsonian Director, but Institution Stands Firm. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2025/06/01/trump-tries-fire-smithsonian-director-but-institution-stands-firm/ [3] The Guardian. (2025). Trump Administration's Attempt to Control Smithsonian Museums Sparks Outrage. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/03/15/trump-administration-attempt-to-control-smithsonian-museums-sparks-outrage [4] Hyperallergic. (2025). Smithsonian Under Fire: Trump Administration Takes Aim at Museum's Programming. [online] Available at: https://hyperallergic.com/589197/smithsonian-under-fire-trump-administration-takes-aim-at-museums-programming/
- The controversy surrounding the Smithsonian Institution's independence and scholarly integrity persists, with the Trump administration attempting to exert political influence over personnel decisions and programming.
- Amidst this, the Smithsonian's Board of Regents has reaffirmed its commitment to being free from political or partisan influence, providing oversight for its Secretary in managing personnel decisions.
- Meanwhile, the White House has initiated a content and personnel review across multiple Smithsonian museums, aiming to align content with a narrative celebrating American exceptionalism and removing what it labels as divisive or partisan.
- Contemporary art continues to evolve, with institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York launching artist residencies, focusing on artists whose practice incorporates craft or artisanal materials and methods.
- In the world of contemporary photography, Sydney Contemporary has debuted a new section called Photo Sydney, offering a dedicated platform for established and emerging voices in the medium.
- Notably, an 11-inch Auguste Rodin sculpture, long-thought to have been a copy, just sold for about $1 million, confirming that it was originally created by Rodin and missing after it was sold at auction in 1906.
