Smithsonian chief Lonnie Bunch announces departure

Lonnie Bunch, a historian, curator and author, has announced his retirement as the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, a role he has held since 2019. He is the first Black leader to hold this position. Bunch led the Smithsonian during its 21 museums and galleries, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, and various research and education centers.

Under his leadership, the Smithsonian acquired the popular National Museum of African American History and Culture, which faced criticism from the Trump administration. The White House released a report on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence suggesting that the Smithsonian's flagship history museum should have a label warning visitors that the exhibits were prepared by people who don't want them to love their country.

Bunch responded by sending a memo to his staff, asserting that the report was not a fair characterization of the work and the Smithsonian as a whole. Trump has accused the Smithsonian of portraying a skewed and divisive version of US history. Bunch stated that he is retiring to pursue his next chapter and protect the integrity of the Smithsonian, allowing him to continue championing the importance of a history that illuminates and celebrates the complex story of the nation.