Washington — On Tuesday, historian Lonnie Bunch announced his decision to resign as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution at the close of the year, following a prolonged period of escalating critique from the Trump administration.
In his statement, Bunch expressed a blend of emotions, stating, “It is with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude that I announce my retirement from the Smithsonian. I have spent nearly half of my life working at and being part of the Smithsonian family, and what a privilege it has been.”
Having dedicated 38 years to the Smithsonian, Bunch conveyed that he departs the role with a sense of both pride and sorrow, as well as gratitude and joy, while expressing strong confidence in the future leadership of the institution.
In an interview with The New York Times, Bunch clarified that his retirement was not a direct result of ongoing conflicts with the administration, asserting simply that “now’s the time.” He acknowledged the stress of his position, saying, “I have to be honest, it has been stressful. And at a certain point, I’d like to wake up in the morning and not look at my cellphone.”
At 73, Bunch was instrumental in establishing the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened its doors in 2016. He held the position of executive director at the museum prior to becoming secretary of the Smithsonian in 2019, making history as the first African American to assume this role in the institution’s 173-year existence.
Chief Justice John Roberts, who acts as chancellor of the Smithsonian and is a member of its Board of Regents, remarked that Bunch “has pursued excellence in the telling of our nation’s story.” He added, “The Regents, and the Smithsonian, have benefited greatly from his wisdom, vision and leadership. We look forward to working with him in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition for his successor.”
Since the beginning of President Trump’s second term in 2025, criticism of the Smithsonian has intensified. The administration initiated an internal review of some of the institution’s most prominent museums, and in March, the president signed an executive order advocating for alterations within the organization, including the removal of what he termed “improper ideology.”
In July, Trump directed federal officials to place signs outside the National Museum of American History to amend what he described as “inaccurate” representations of American history.
Additionally, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently sent a letter to the Smithsonian accusing its leadership of allowing a “radical institutional ideology” to infiltrate the American history museum. He warned that this ideology ultimately undermines a shared American identity and distorts national heritage while conditioning the public to accept attempts to politicize national institutions and traditions.
The Smithsonian Institution comprises 21 museums, 14 education and research facilities, along with the National Zoo, all located in Washington, D.C.
In a 2019 interview with CBS “Sunday Morning,” Bunch emphasized the importance of culture, stating that the Smithsonian is “part of the glue that holds the country together.” He elaborated, “Culture is so important. Culture is something that sometimes is seen as dividing people, but in my mind, culture holds us together — the common cultures we have, the opportunity to find common ground.”
