Lonnie Bunch, the historian who serves as the secretary of the Smithsonian, announced on Tuesday that he will step down from his position at the end of the year. His decision follows several months of mounting criticism directed at the institution by the Trump administration.
Reflecting on his departure, Bunch stated, "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." He noted that he leaves the role "with pride and sadness, gratitude and joy, and with enormous confidence in the people who will carry this remarkable institution forward."
When asked in an interview with The New York Times if the friction with the administration influenced his decision, Bunch indicated that it was simply time to move on. However, he acknowledged the difficulty of the recent period, admitting, "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 holds a historic place in the institution’s 173-year legacy, having become the first African American to serve as secretary in 2019. Previously, he co-founded the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, serving as its executive director until his promotion. Chief Justice John Roberts, who acts as chancellor of the Smithsonian and sits on the Board of Regents, praised Bunch’s tenure, stating that he "has pursued excellence in the telling of our nation's story." Roberts added that the Regents look forward to ensuring a smooth transition for the next leader.
The institution has faced significant pressure since the beginning of President Trump's second term in 2025. In March 2025, the president signed an executive order calling for changes at the Smithsonian, specifically aiming to remove what he described as "improper ideology." The administration initiated an internal review targeting eight museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture—which the order alleged featured "divisive, race-centered ideology"—as well as the Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Portrait Gallery. The review process was set to examine exhibit content, future plans, collections, and internal curatorial procedures.
Further tensions arose in July when President Trump ordered federal officials to install signs outside the National Museum of American History to address what he termed "inaccurate" historical information. Additionally, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum sent a letter to the institution last month, accusing its leadership of allowing a "radical institutional ideology to permeate" the museum. Burgum argued that this ideology serves to "weaken our shared American identity" and "weaponize our national institutions."
The Smithsonian comprises 21 museums, 20 libraries, various research centers, and the National Zoo. Bunch’s journey with the institution began in 1978 at the National Air and Space Museum. He held several leadership and curatorial roles at the National Museum of American History until 2000, leaving before returning five years later to lead the establishment of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. In a 2019 interview, Bunch emphasized his belief that the Smithsonian is "part of the glue that holds the country together," noting that culture provides an opportunity to find common ground.
