Nationwide — Lonnie Bunch is stepping down as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution at the end of 2026 after a year of growing tension between the museum system and the Donald Trump administration over how American history should be presented. Bunch, who has led the Smithsonian since 2019, announced his retirement Tuesday. He said he was leaving with “very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude.” His departure comes as the Smithsonian faces increased scrutiny over how its museums present American history ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The dispute grew after Trump ordered a broad review of the Smithsonian’s museums and exhibitions in 2025. The administration said the review would examine exhibition text, educational materials, social media and other public content. Officials wanted to assess how the museums presented history and whether their material aligned with what they called American ideals. The review initially focused on eight museums, including the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Portrait Gallery and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.
The pressure increased after the White House released a report criticizing Smithsonian leadership. The report described some museum officials as “radical activists” and questioned whether they could be trusted to present U.S. history in a way that was “inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic.” Anthea M. Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, came under particular scrutiny. Trump later ordered signs to be placed outside the museum warning visitors that some exhibits were inaccurate.
Hartig pushed back against the administration’s claims during congressional hearings. She said the White House report “does not fairly or accurately characterize the full body of work at the museum.” The dispute also led to speculation that Trump could seek to remove Smithsonian leaders. However, the president does not have the same direct authority over the Smithsonian that he has exercised at other Washington cultural institutions.
The Smithsonian operates outside the executive branch. Its museum directors report to the secretary, while the secretary is overseen by the Board of Regents. The board includes Vice President JD Vance, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, members of Congress and citizen regents. Roberts, who serves as the Smithsonian’s chancellor, praised Bunch for pursuing excellence in telling the nation’s story. Sen. Alex Padilla of California also defended him, saying he remained committed to telling American history despite the administration’s attacks on the Smithsonian.
According to AP News, Bunch will continue serving as secretary until the end of the year. He is scheduled to speak Sept. 25 at the National Museum of African American History and Culture for an event titled Understanding America: 10 Years of Excellence. His retirement comes as the Smithsonian prepares for a leadership transition while facing continued debate over how its museums should portray the nation’s history. Tony Johnson, membership director of the Heritage Foundation, said Bunch’s departure would be the beginning of a larger fight over the institution’s future.