Lonnie G. Bunch III announced Tuesday he will step down as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution by the end of 2026, capping seven years leading the sprawling network of museums, libraries, research centers, and the National Zoo.
His departure comes after sustained White House attacks on the institution's portrayal of American history. President Donald Trump initiated the scrutiny shortly after taking office, issuing an executive order in March 2025 directing Vice President JD Vance to eliminate programs deemed "impro divisive, or anti-American" from the museum's offerings.
The pressure escalated last week when the Interior Department threatened to pull financial support, alleging that Smithsonian facilities present a "radical ideology" that weakens "shared American identity."
Bunch, who spent 38 years at the Smithsonian before becoming secretary in 2019, said he was stepping down "with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude." He said, "I have spent nearly half of my life working at and being part of the Smithsonian family, and what a privilege it has been."
In a statement, he added, "There is no place like the Smithsonian — it has been one of the great loves of my life, and I am extraordinarily proud of what we have accomplished together."
According to a person familiar with the situation, the Smithsonian's Regents, its governing board, did not pressure Bunch to resign. The person said Bunch had considered retiring a year ago but felt obligated to stay and defend the institution against White House attacks. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's letter last week convinced him it was time to step aside.
Chief Justice John Roberts, who serves as chancellor of the Smithsonian, praised Bunch in a statement. "From his days as a young curator at the National Air and Space and American History Museums through his tenure as the founding director of the African American History and Culture Museum and culminating in his distinguished service for the past seven years in the Smithsonian's top job, Secretary Bunch has pursued excellence in the telling of our nation's story," Roberts said.
Roberts said, "The Regents, and the Smithsonian, have benefited greatly from his wisdom, vision and leadership. We look forward to working with him in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition for his successor."
The Regents are now forming a search committee and considering internal candidates to lead the institution. Bunch has committed to staying on for three or four months to ease the transition.
