Lonnie G. Bunch III Announces Retirement from Smithsonian

Smithsonian Secretary’s Planned Departure

Lonnie G. Bunch III will step down at the end of 2026 after serving seven years as the first Black secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. His retirement follows a tumultuous time marked by increased scrutiny from the Trump administration, which accused Smithsonian leaders of promoting politically biased views on American history during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Bunch expressed mixed emotions and gratitude in his retirement announcement. Newsweek contacted the White House for comment on Tuesday afternoon.

Lonnie Bunch’s Legacy

Bunch, 73, has been a prominent historian and museum leader for over four decades. Before his appointment as secretary in 2019, he was the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016 and became one of the most popular museums within the Smithsonian.

Bunch’s leadership marked a historic milestone, as he became the first African American to oversee the Smithsonian—a complex comprising 21 museums, the National Zoo, research centers, and educational programs that attract millions of visitors.

Early Career and Impact

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Bunch pursued history at Howard University and continued his studies at American University. His career began at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum before he held leadership roles in museums across California, Chicago, and Washington D.C.

His rise to the Smithsonian’s top position represented a significant achievement for both African American representation and the field of history.

Pressure from the Trump Administration

Bunch’s announcement comes amidst intense scrutiny from the Trump administration, which in July issued a report criticizing Smithsonian leadership for advancing ideological interpretations. It specifically targeted officials at the National Museum of American History, arguing they failed to present history in a manner fitting for the nation.

In August, Trump instructed the installation of signs at the National Museum of American History, questioning the accuracy of some exhibits. Museum director Anthea Hartig rejected these claims, saying they did not accurately represent the museum’s full body of work.

Further efforts by the administration included an executive order in March 2025 titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” planning to align historical presentations with the administration’s ideals ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Smithsonian’s Autonomous Structure

Despite the administration’s pressure, the Smithsonian operates independently of the executive branch. Museum directors report to the secretary, while oversight is managed by the Smithsonian Board of Regents, including notable figures such as Vice President JD Vance and Chief Justice John Roberts.

This structure prevents direct executive influence on museum leadership.

Roberts praised Bunch’s tenure, acknowledging his pursuit of excellence in narrating the nation’s story.

Bunch’s retirement starts a significant search for his successor, coinciding with ongoing national debates on the presentation of American history.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.