Lonnie G. Bunch III, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, announced he will step down at the end of the year after more than a year of sustained political pressure from the Trump administration and its allies. Bunch described his departure as a retirement, stating he would serve through the end of 2024 before moving to a "new chapter." He emphasized his commitment to protecting the Smithsonian’s integrity and championing a history that reflects the nation’s complexity.
Bunch has led the Smithsonian since 2019 and previously served as the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. His tenure has been marked by efforts to present a comprehensive view of American history, including exhibits addressing racial injustice and systemic inequality.
Political Response to Bunch’s Departure
Far-right allies of the Trump administration celebrated Bunch’s announcement. Republican Congressman Brandon Gill wrote on X that "the days of using America’s museums to teach Americans to hate their own country are coming to an end." Senator Josh Hawley stated, "Good riddance. He should return his salary to the American people." Roger Kimball, writing in The Spectator, invoked anti-communist rhetoric, describing Bunch’s influence as a "long march" through the Smithsonian.
Despite the criticism, Bunch has maintained that political pressure did not influence his decision. In a recent interview with PBS News, he stated, "The Smithsonian is not a place driven by left-wing crazy people. It's really a place driven by people who love a nation."
Trump Administration’s Actions Against Smithsonian
The Trump administration has taken multiple steps to address what it describes as ideological bias within the Smithsonian. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum sent letters to Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) outlining plans to install 12 temporary warning signs outside the Smithsonian American History Museum. The signs, costing $84,000, are framed as a response to President Trump’s July 2025 executive order, "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," which mandates the removal of "improper ideology" from Smithsonian properties.
The letters accuse Smithsonian leadership of altering the museum’s role from presenting factual history to advancing "personal, radical ideologies." Specific grievances include claims that the museum’s director, Anthea Hartig, has stated that "history is a prime tool of social justice," and that exhibits present views inconsistent with biological facts, such as the idea that sex is not binary. The administration also alleges that the Smithsonian has sought to "legitimize illegal immigration and open borders."
The Smithsonian has not publicly commented on the administration’s accusations. In a July letter to staff, Bunch responded to earlier reports of bias, stating, "At the Smithsonian, we are committed to truth, transparency, and the highest standards of scholarship."
Implications for Smithsonian’s Future
Bunch’s departure comes amid broader cultural and political conflicts over the role of museums in shaping national narratives. Supporters of Bunch’s leadership argue that his tenure has strengthened the Smithsonian’s commitment to inclusive history, while critics contend that the institution has strayed from objective storytelling.
The administration’s warning signs, if implemented, would mark the first time the federal government has directly intervened in the Smithsonian’s curatorial decisions. The temporary nature of the signs and the lack of specificity in their content leave open questions about their long-term impact on the institution’s operations and public perception.