Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie Bunch III announced Tuesday that he will retire by the end of the year, ending his tenure as the Trump administration pushes for major changes at the taxpayer-supported museum complex.
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Bunch, who has led the Smithsonian since 2019, announced his departure after nearly four decades of service at the institution.
“It is with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude that I announce my retirement from the Smithsonian,” Bunch 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.”
His departure comes during a high-profile dispute between the Smithsonian and the Trump administration over how the institution presents American history.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order in March 2025 directing his administration to work to remove what the White House described as “improper ideology” from Smithsonian museums. The administration argued that some exhibits focused excessively on race and oppression while failing to adequately recognize American achievements and progress.
Trump escalated the effort in July, signing another executive order after a White House review accused Smithsonian leadership of allowing ideology to influence exhibits at the National Museum of American History. The administration directed federal officials to use available legal and funding mechanisms to press for changes.
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The White House has also raised concerns about whether Smithsonian employment and funding practices comply with federal antidiscrimination laws. The administration has warned that some federal support could be at risk if those concerns are not addressed.
Bunch became the Smithsonian’s 14th secretary in June 2019, becoming the first African American and first historian to lead the institution. He previously served as founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, overseeing its development and 2016 opening.
Chief Justice John Roberts, who serves as chancellor of the Smithsonian, praised Bunch for his service and his work “in the telling of our nation’s story.”
Smithsonian Board of Regents Chairman Franklin D. Raines said the board will name an acting secretary and conduct a national search for Bunch’s successor.
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