Who is Lonnie Bunch? Smithsonian Chief Retiring Amid Trump Admin Strife

Lonnie G. Bunch III, the first African American and first historian to lead the Smithsonian Institution, has announced his retirement after seven years as secretary. Bunch, 73, has spent a total of 38 years at the Smithsonian, with 11 of those years serving as the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).

In a statement, Bunch expressed mixed emotions, stating he leaves with pride and sadness, gratitude and joy, and with confidence in those who will continue the institution's work. Bunch began his Smithsonian tenure in 1978 at the National Air and Space Museum, later becoming the associate director of curatorial affairs at the National Museum of American History.

He left for four years to lead the Chicago Historical Society before returning in 2005 to lead the NMAAHC. As a historian, Bunch has authored over a dozen books on African American history, US presidents, and museums, with his most recent work, "A Fool's Errand," published in 2019. Franklin D. Raines, chair of the Smithsonian's board of regents, praised Bunch's leadership for illuminating the nation's past and fostering creativity and innovation.

Bunch's retirement comes as the Trump administration continues to challenge the Smithsonian's programming and leadership. Despite the turmoil, Bunch maintained a cool head and diplomatic approach, focusing on preserving the institution's integrity and championing the importance of an inclusive history.