Lonnie Bunch, who has served as the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution since 2019, announced on Tuesday that he will step down from his leadership role at the end of this year. In a formal statement, Bunch noted that he is departing the position “with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude.”
His resignation follows a period of significant friction between the Smithsonian and the Trump administration. Since 2025, the White House has subjected the institution to rigorous scrutiny, aiming to align its public-facing content—including exhibitions, educational materials, and social media—with President Donald Trump’s specific interpretation of American history.
The administration’s focus intensified as the nation approached its 250th anniversary. A March 2025 executive order, titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” initiated widespread changes across federal agencies, including the renaming of military bases and the alteration or removal of various historical exhibits. Trump has frequently criticized the Smithsonian, specifically targeting the National Museum of African American History and Culture, claiming the institution is engaged in a “concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history.”
Tensions reached a peak this past summer when the White House Domestic Policy Council released a report alleging that Smithsonian leadership, particularly at the National Museum of American History, was failing to present history “in a way that is inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic.” The report branded museum leaders as radical activists, raising concerns about potential efforts by the administration to replace them.
Anthea M. Hartig, the director of the National Museum of American History, faced direct pressure following the report. She defended the institution during congressional hearings, asserting that the White House assessment “does not fairly or accurately characterise the full body of work at the museum.” Despite her pushback, the administration ordered the installation of signs at the museum claiming certain exhibits were inaccurate.
The review process has been extensive, initially targeting eight major Smithsonian facilities, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. The White House demanded an assessment of all public content to ensure it aligns with what the administration defines as American ideals.
Unlike other federal cultural institutions where the President has successfully installed loyalists—such as the Kennedy Center—the Smithsonian operates independently of the executive branch. Museum directors report to the Secretary, who is overseen by a Board of Regents. This board includes high-ranking officials such as Vice President JD Vance and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, alongside a bipartisan group of lawmakers.
Chief Justice Roberts, serving as the Smithsonian’s chancellor, issued a statement praising Bunch for having “pursued excellence in the telling of our nation’s story.” Similarly, Senator Alex Padilla, a California Democrat, commended Bunch for his resilience, stating that he “spoke truth to power” in the face of administration attacks. Padilla emphasized that the responsibility now shifts to the Board of Regents and Congress to protect the institution’s integrity.
The timing of the departure has cast uncertainty over upcoming institutional programming. Bunch is currently scheduled to speak on September 25 at the National Museum of African American History and Culture for an event titled “Understanding America: 10 Years of Excellence.” The institution has not yet clarified how his retirement will affect this engagement.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the resignation. As the search for a successor begins, the institution remains under the shadow of the ongoing federal review, which continues to examine the tone and historical framing of its vast collections ahead of the country’s 250th birthday. The report also notes that there had been speculation that firings were in the offing. The report also notes that the announcement has left questions about some Smithsonian programming. The report also notes that the White House detailed the steps it expected the organisation to take as part of the announced review, in a letter sent to Bunch at the time. The report also notes that the job now falls to the Board of Regents and Congress to ensure the success of his work will remain for generations to come.”, while I respect his decision to depart. The report also notes that judge orders Trump name removed from Kennedy Center. The report also notes that why is Trump name being removed from this arts centre. The report also notes that takeaways from Jack Smith on his case against Trump.