The Smithsonian Institution has reaffirmed its independence following President Trump’s claim of firing the National Portrait Gallery’s director, emphasizing that all personnel decisions are governed internally by its Secretary and Board of Regents.

In a decisive response to the Trump administration’s ultimatum, Harvard’s leadership declared their refusal to compromise on the university’s core principles. Garber stated, “Harvard will not surrender its core, legally-protected principles out of fear of unfounded retaliation by the federal government.”