Lonnie Bunch, Smithsonian’s First Black Secretary, to Retire Amid Public Clash with Trump Administration

# What happened Lonnie G. Bunch III announced he will retire as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution at the end of 2026. He is 73 and has spent nearly four decades at the Smithsonian. Bunch became the institution's first African American secretary in 2019 and previously founded the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).

# Why this is news The announcement follows months of public conflict between the Smithsonian and the Trump administration over how American history is presented. That dispute included an August 2025 directive for a "comprehensive internal review" of eight Smithsonian museums, a July 2026 report accusing the National Museum of American History of "extreme political activism," an executive order requiring signs asserting alleged inaccuracies in exhibits, and threats to reduce federal funding.

# Smithsonian responded Bunch rejected the White House characterization of Smithsonian work as unfair. He told staff that the institution's work "is driven by scholarship, accuracy and an uncompromising commitment to tell the fullness of America's story," according to NPR. In announcing his retirement he said, "It is time for my next chapter," and that he intends to continue working to "protect the integrity of the Smithsonian" and to champion a history that reflects the country's complexity.

John Roberts, the Smithsonian's chancellor and the Chief Justice, praised Bunch for pursuing "excellence in the telling of our nation's story." The Board of Regents will name an acting secretary and begin a national search for his successor.

# What led to this moment

• August 2025: President Trump called for an internal review of multiple Smithsonian museums and directed them to "celebrate American exceptionalism."
• July 2026: The administration released a critical report about the National Museum of American History and issued an executive order that would require museums to post notices asserting exhibit inaccuracies.
• Smithsonian.

Those actions framed a public, political fight over independence, funding, and how museums present topics including slavery and race.

# Bunch's record at the Smithsonian Bunch was the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. That museum has welcomed more than 13 million visitors and is preparing to mark its 10th anniversary. His appointment as secretary in 2019 marked the first time a historian and the first Black person headed the Smithsonian. His tenure included expanding public programs, museum operations across the Smithsonian complex, and stewardship of libraries, research centers, and the National Zoo.

# Immediate next steps Regents will appoint an acting secretary and begin a national search to find a permanent successor. The institution will continue to operate dozens of museums and centers that are already under heightened political and public scrutiny.

# Why readers should care The Smithsonian is a major federal cultural institution. Leadership changes during a period of public dispute over federal oversight, funding, and the presentation of American history could affect exhibit content, institutional independence, and how federal policy interacts with museums and cultural education nationwide.