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EXCLUSIVE: Artist Amy Sherald decided to cancel her upcoming exhibit showcasing a portrait of a transgender Statue of Liberty at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery after Vice President JD Vance expressed concerns that the show contained content that was considered divisive and aligned with woke culture, sources have revealed.
In March, President Donald Trump issued an executive order appointing Vance to oversee the removal of programs or exhibits at Smithsonian museums that go against shared American values, promote division based on race, or advocate for ideologies that conflict with Federal regulations.
Vance argued during a meeting on June 9 with the Board of Regents that Sherald’s exhibit titled “American Sublime” violated Trump’s executive order by including woke and divisive content, according to sources familiar with the meeting.
Artist Sherald, known for her portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama in 2018, made the decision to withdraw her exhibition from the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery scheduled for September after concerns were raised about featuring the portrait of the transgender Statue of Liberty. The painting, titled “Trans Forming Liberty,” depicts a trans woman with pink hair in a blue gown.
“Vice President Vance has spearheaded the initiative to eliminate woke indoctrination from our cherished Smithsonian museums,” an administration official stated in an email. “In addition to overseeing crucial legislation and aiding President Trump in navigating global crises, Vice President Vance has shown his ability to advance President Trump’s objectives.”
Sherald stated that she decided to withdraw her work from the exhibition after learning about the National Portrait Gallery’s reservations regarding the transgender Statue of Liberty portrait. She expressed her disapproval of the institutional fear influenced by a hostile political climate towards transgender individuals.
She added, “This painting serves as a representation for those whose humanity has been politicized and disregarded. I cannot support a culture of censorship, particularly when it targets marginalized communities. In a time where transgender individuals face legislative challenges and are silenced and endangered, remaining silent is not an option.”
The Smithsonian has not provided a response concerning Vance’s involvement in the matter.
The White House described the removal of Sherald’s exhibit as a principled and necessary step towards fostering unity in institutions like the Smithsonian.
“The ‘Trans Forming Liberty’ painting, which aimed to reinterpret one of our nation’s most revered symbols through a divisive and ideological perspective, deviated from the mission and essence of our national museums,” said Trump special assistant Lindsey Halligan. “The Statue of Liberty is not a canvas for political expression. It is a cherished symbol of freedom, inspiration, and national unity that embodies the American spirit.”
Other members of the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents include the Chief Justice of the United States, John Roberts, as well as Senators John Boozman, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Gary Peters, along with various House members.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News’ Gabriel Hays.
