Lonnie G. Bunch III, the first historian and first Black person to lead the Smithsonian Institution, announced on Tuesday that he will step down from his position as secretary by the end of the year. The departure marks the conclusion of a 38-year tenure with the world’s largest museum and research complex, ending a seven-year stint at the helm of the institution.
In a statement reflecting on his exit, Bunch expressed “mixed emotions” regarding his retirement. “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 said. “There is no place like the Smithsonian — it has been one of the great loves of my life.”
Bunch’s departure comes at a period of intense volatility for the Smithsonian. As he prepares to transition out of the role, the institution faces unprecedented pressure from the Trump administration. Since the start of his second term, President Donald Trump has targeted the Smithsonian’s cultural and historical narratives, accusing its leadership of prioritizing “divisive, race-centered ideology” over a traditional understanding of American history.
In March 2025, the president issued an executive order directing Vice President JD Vance—who serves on the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents—to root out programs deemed “improper” or “anti-American.” The administration has repeatedly signaled its displeasure with the institution’s focus on the darker chapters of the nation’s past, including the history of slavery. In a social media post last year, Trump criticized the museums for being “out of control” and focusing too heavily on historical grievances rather than national success.
The tension escalated during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations this July, when a White House report branded Smithsonian leadership as “radical activists” and stated the institution could not be trusted to tell the nation’s story in a way that is “unifying.”
Despite the political firestorm, Bunch has remained steadfast in his philosophy regarding historical interpretation. In a recent interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” he argued that the pursuit of a “more perfect union” requires confronting complex realities. “America’s greatest strength is not running away from its history, but understanding how that history shaped us and continues to shape us,” he said.
Chief Justice John Roberts, serving as the Smithsonian’s chancellor, praised Bunch’s legacy, citing his early work as a curator and his role as the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
“Secretary Bunch has pursued excellence in the telling of our nation’s story,” Roberts said, adding that the Board of Regents intends to work closely with the outgoing secretary in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. For now, the Smithsonian faces a precarious future, caught between a mandate to preserve the nation’s heritage and a White House intent on fundamentally reshaping how that heritage is presented to the public.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
