African American Museum Director Takes Indefinite Leave Amid Trump Targeting Smithsonian

WASHINGTON — Kevin Young, director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, has taken an indefinite leave just as President Donald Trump pressures the Smithsonian Institution to crack down on what he calls “improper ideology,” raising new questions about leadership stability at one of its most prominent museums.

Director Leave Highlights Broader Leadership Gaps Across Smithsonian

A spokesperson for Young declined to say whether his leave was voluntary, health-related, or connected to Trump’s recent executive order. The Smithsonian confirmed Young’s absence but offered no further comment.

Several museum staff members, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were barred from discussing personnel matters, expressed concern about the leadership gap. Some said supervisors instructed them not to publicly comment on Young’s leave, further fueling uncertainty within the institution.

Young’s departure highlights broader instability across the Smithsonian, which has seen at least three museums lose permanent directors within the past year amid heightened political scrutiny and internal dissatisfaction. The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Museum of the American Latino are also facing leadership transitions.

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Smithsonian Braces for Reviews Under Trump’s Order

Trump’s March 27 executive order, issued shortly after Young’s leave began, directs the Smithsonian to review exhibitions to ensure alignment with what he calls “patriotic education.” The order specifically cites the National Museum of African American History and Culture for allegedly portraying American values as “harmful and oppressive.”

It remains unclear when Young will return. The Smithsonian has not announced plans to appoint a permanent successor. In the meantime, Shanita Brackett, associate director of operations, is serving as acting director, guiding the museum through a period of heightened political and institutional uncertainty.