In a clash of art, politics, and cultural values, acclaimed artist Amy Sherald has pulled her entire solo exhibition from the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery after the museum raised concerns about one of her works—a transgender reimagining of the Statue of Liberty.

Sherald, best known for painting former First Lady Michelle Obama’s official White House portrait, withdrew from her upcoming “American Sublime” show after the Smithsonian suggested her painting Transforming Liberty might be removed or altered to avoid political controversy.

“I entered into this collaboration in good faith,” Sherald wrote in a letter addressed to Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III. “But it has become clear that the conditions no longer support the integrity of the work as conceived.”

The painting at the center of the dispute features the Statue of Liberty depicted as a trans woman—an image Sherald says was designed to reflect the complexity of American identity. However, according to Sherald, internal concerns at the museum led to proposals to either remove the painting or present it alongside a video that would “contextualize” public reactions to it.

“When I understood a video would replace the painting, I decided to cancel,” Sherald said in a statement shared with The New York Times. “The video would have opened up for debate the value of trans visibility, and I was opposed to that being a part of the ‘American Sublime’ narrative.”

The Smithsonian disputes that account. A spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the video was not intended to replace the artwork but to accompany it and offer additional context.

“While we understand Amy’s decision to withdraw her show from the National Portrait Gallery, we are disappointed,” the Smithsonian said in an official statement. “We remain appreciative and inspired by Ms. Sherald, her artwork and commitment to portraiture.”

The controversy comes amid a cultural shift in Washington, D.C. In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at removing what he called “divisive, race-centered ideology” from government-funded institutions like the Smithsonian.

“The Statue of Liberty is not an abstract canvas for political expression,” said Trump administration official Lindsey Halligan in response to Sherald’s work. “It is a revered and solemn symbol of freedom, inspiration, and national unity.”

Halligan added that the removal of the painting was in line with the President’s directive: “Our museums must serve as sources of unity, not platforms for ideological division.”

Sherald’s decision to pull the exhibit has ignited debate about freedom of expression, the role of public art, and the direction of America’s cultural institutions under the Trump administration. While some hail her decision as a stand for artistic integrity, others see it as an example of political activism clashing with public trust.