Smithsonian Chief Lonnie Bunch III Steps Down as White House Targets the Institution

Lonnie G. Bunch III is stepping down as Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution by the end of the year. According to the New York Times, under his leadership, President Trump accused the Smithsonian of liberal, anti-American bias. Bunch had been leading the institution since 2019 and previously served as the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

His departure comes amid repeated criticism from the Trump administration over how the institution depicts and describes historical events and figures. Hyperallergic reports that Bunch announced his departure with "very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude," stating that he leaves with pride and sadness, and confidence in those who will carry the institution forward.

Bunch has had a storied career dating back to the 1970s, with over three decades of service at the Smithsonian, including roles as a curator at the American History Museum and an education specialist at the National Air and Space Museum. He also led the Chicago History Museum from 2000 to 2005. ABC News and Deadline report that Bunch is stepping down after seven years of leading the Smithsonian Institution.

Brief written by urgent.news from NYT Arts, Hyperallergic, ABC News (US), Deadline, Smithsonian — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.