Lonnie Bunch to Retire as Smithsonian Secretary Amid Criticisms from Trump Administration

Washington — Historian Lonnie Bunch, the Secretary of the Smithsonian, announced his retirement at the end of the year, amidst increasing criticism from the Trump administration. Bunch expressed his mixed emotions in a statement, reflecting on nearly half a lifetime spent at the Smithsonian. He stated, “I have spent nearly half of my life working at and being part of the Smithsonian family, and what a privilege it has been.”

After 38 years with the Smithsonian, Bunch leaves his position with pride, sadness, gratitude, and joy. He expressed confidence in the institution’s future under different leadership. In an interview with The New York Times, Bunch mentioned his retirement decision wasn’t influenced by administrative clashes, simply remarking, “now’s the time.” The stress, he added, prompted him to seek moments free from checking his phone.

Lonnie Bunch, aged 73, co-founded the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016. He led the museum until becoming the Smithsonian Secretary in 2019. He made history as the first African American to occupy this role in the institution’s 173-year history.

Chief Justice John Roberts, serving as Chancellor of the Smithsonian, praised Bunch’s pursuit of excellence. “The Regents, and the Smithsonian, have benefited greatly from his wisdom, vision and leadership,” Roberts remarked, committing to assist in ensuring a smooth transition for Bunch’s successor.

Since Trump started his second term in 2025, criticism towards the Smithsonian increased. An internal review was launched by his administration, focusing on museums like the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which faced accusations of promoting “divisive, race-centered ideology.” The Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, and National Portrait Gallery were also under scrutiny.

A letter from the administration explained reviewers would examine content, future exhibition plans, collections, and curator processes. By July, Trump directed federal officials to place corrective signs outside the National Museum of American History to amend perceived inaccuracies regarding American history.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum accused Smithsonian leaders of permitting radical institutional ideology to infiltrate the American history museum. He warned, “The ultimate effect of this radical ideology is to weaken our shared American identity, erase our heritage, and condition the public to accept these attempts to weaponize our national institutions.”

The Smithsonian Institution comprises 21 museums, 20 libraries, numerous research centers, and the National Zoo in Washington. Bunch began his Smithsonian journey in 1978 at the National Air and Space Museum, moving through various leadership positions at the National Museum of American History until 2000. After leaving, Bunch returned in 2005 to spearhead the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

In 2019, during an interview with CBS “Sunday Morning,” Bunch underscored the Smithsonian’s role as “part of the glue that holds the country together.” He emphasized culture’s significance in unifying people rather than dividing them, advocating for finding common ground through shared cultural experiences.