Smithsonian chief Lonnie G. Bunch III resigns

Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, is announcing his retirement at the end of the year. In a statement, Bunch expressed mixed emotions, describing his departure with both pride and sadness, gratitude and joy. He emphasized his confidence in the people who will lead the impressive institution forward.

The Smithsonian, which encompasses numerous museums, libraries, research centers, and the National Zoo, has faced criticism from President Trump. In August 2025, Trump called for an internal review of eight Smithsonian museums, directing them to celebrate American exceptionalism. In July 2026, the administration issued a report accusing the National Museum of American History of extreme political activism.

Despite such challenges, Bunch defended the Smithsonian internally, stating that the institution's work is driven by scholarship, accuracy, and a commitment to telling the full story of America.