The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched an internal review after a contractor was secretly recorded claiming he tore down and disposed of federal portraits belonging to several public figures.
In footage released by journalist James O’Keefe, the contractor — identified as Joseph Olmert — is heard saying he personally removed and discarded portraits of President Donald Trump, Sen. JD Vance, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya.
According to the recording, Olmert allegedly said:
“F** these guys. I ripped them off the wall, threw those mfers away!”*
Federal portraits and displays inside government facilities are protected property, and removing or destroying them without authorization can constitute a violation of federal rules or destruction of government materials.
Following the release of the footage, the NIH confirmed it is conducting an investigation to determine what occurred, whether protocols were violated, and whether disciplinary or legal action is warranted.
O’Keefe’s video has already prompted strong reactions from lawmakers and members of the public who argue that the incident demonstrates political bias inside federal agencies — a concern the Trump administration has repeatedly vowed to address.
The investigation is ongoing.
