The Smithsonian Institution on Monday emphasized its “nonpartisan stature” and said “all personnel decisions” are made by its secretary more than a week after President Donald Trump said he would remove the director of the National Portrait Gallery.

"All personnel decisions are made by and subject to the direction of the Secretary, with oversight by the Board," its statement said.

The Smithsonian Institution late Monday issued its own declaration of independence, saying authority over its staff lies with Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch. The move follows President Trump's assertion that he was firing Kim Sajet.