Lonnie G. Bunch III is preparing to leave the Smithsonian after nearly four decades with the institution.
The 73-year-old historian announced that he will retire as Smithsonian secretary at the end of 2026. His departure follows months of growing tension with the Trump administration.
Bunch became the first Black person to lead the Smithsonian in 2019. He was also the first historian to hold the institution’s top position.
His retirement comes during a major debate over how American history should be presented. The dispute has placed slavery, racism, and Black history at the center of national attention.
Although Bunch did not say political pressure caused his decision, the timing is significant. The Smithsonian has faced increasing scrutiny from President Donald Trump and his administration.
Lonnie Bunch Made History as Smithsonian’s First Black Secretary
Bunch’s appointment in 2019 marked an important moment for Black leadership in American culture and education.
As Smithsonian secretary, he became the first African American to lead the institution. His role placed him at the center of one of America’s most important cultural organizations.
The Smithsonian includes museums, research centers, libraries, and the National Zoo. Its institutions help millions of people understand American history, science, culture, and art.
Bunch brought decades of experience as a historian and museum leader to the position. His career also helped expand the role of Black voices in telling the American story.
Before becoming secretary, Bunch served as founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Bunch Helped Build the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Bunch played a major role in creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The museum gave Black history a permanent home within the Smithsonian system. It opened its doors in 2016 after years of planning and construction.
Since opening, the museum has welcomed more than 13 million visitors. The institution is now preparing to mark its 10th anniversary.
Bunch’s work helped bring Black history into the national spotlight. It also created a space where visitors could explore Black life, struggle, achievement, and culture.
His leadership showed how museums can shape public understanding. It also demonstrated why diverse voices matter when history is being preserved and taught.
Trump Administration Challenges How Smithsonian Museums Tell History
Bunch’s retirement follows a period of intense pressure on the Smithsonian.
President Trump called for a broad review of eight Smithsonian museums in August 2025. He directed the institutions to promote what he called “American exceptionalism.”
The pressure increased in 2026. A Trump administration report accused the National Museum of American History of “extreme political activism.”
The administration also criticized exhibits and displays addressing race, slavery, and other difficult parts of American history.
Trump later issued an executive order concerning how some Smithsonian exhibits should be presented to visitors.
The order argued that Smithsonian leadership had not presented American history as a shared national inheritance. It also accused the institution of using history to promote social justice ideas.
Lonnie Bunch Defended the Smithsonian’s Approach to American History
Bunch rejected the administration’s description of the Smithsonian.
He called the White House report “not a fair characterization” of the institution’s work.
Bunch also defended the Smithsonian in a message to employees. He stressed the importance of research and accuracy when presenting history.
“At the Smithsonian, our work is driven by scholarship, accuracy and an uncompromising commitment to tell the fullness of America’s story.”
His position reflects a long-running debate among historians and cultural institutions.
That debate centers on whether museums should present difficult chapters honestly. It also raises questions about who decides which parts of history deserve emphasis.
For Bunch, telling the full story means acknowledging America’s complexity. That includes both its achievements and its painful history.
Smithsonian Faces Pressure Over Federal Funding and Independence
The dispute has also created concerns about the Smithsonian’s independence.
The Trump administration threatened to cut federal support for the institution late last month. That threat came as officials continued challenging the Smithsonian’s approach to American history.
The Smithsonian relies on federal support while operating as a major cultural and research institution. Therefore, funding decisions can have a significant impact on its operations.
Bunch’s departure comes as the institution faces this unusually public conflict.
Still, he has not directly blamed the administration for his retirement. Instead, he described his decision as the beginning of another stage in his life.
Bunch Says He Plans to Protect the Smithsonian’s Legacy
Bunch described his retirement as the start of his “next chapter.”
However, he also made clear that his work is not necessarily ending.
He said he intends to continue efforts to protect the Smithsonian’s integrity. He also wants to support historical storytelling that reflects America’s complexity.
That message adds another layer to his departure. Bunch is leaving the secretary position after reaching one of the highest leadership roles in American museums.
His career has already left a lasting mark on the Smithsonian. His leadership helped establish Black history as an essential part of the national story.
Lonnie Bunch Leaves a Lasting Legacy for Black Leadership
Bunch’s legacy extends beyond his position as Smithsonian secretary.
His career represents the growing influence of Black historians and cultural leaders. These leaders have helped reshape how American history is preserved and shared.
His work also created opportunities for millions of people to see Black experiences represented in a national institution.
Smithsonian Chancellor and Chief Justice John Roberts praised Bunch’s leadership. Roberts said Bunch had “pursued excellence in the telling of our nation’s story.”
Now, the Smithsonian Board of Regents will appoint an acting secretary. The board will also begin a national search for Bunch’s successor.
Whoever takes the position will inherit an institution facing major questions about history, politics, funding, and independence.
Bunch, meanwhile, leaves behind a historic record. He became the first Black person to lead the Smithsonian after decades of helping America understand its own history.
