Lonnie Bunch is stepping down from his role as the leader of the Smithsonian Institution, a position he has held since 2019. His departure follows a year marked by tensions with the Trump administration, which sought to influence the portrayal of U.S. history within Smithsonian museums. Bunch announced his resignation in a news release on Tuesday, expressing 'very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude.' He is set to leave the position at the end of the year.
Bunch's resignation comes after a White House report labeled the leadership of the Smithsonian, particularly at the National Museum of American History, as 'radical activists' who are untrustworthy. This report suggested that the Trump administration might be looking to replace current leaders with its own appointees.
Anthea M. Hartig, the first female director of the National Museum of American History, has faced increased scrutiny from Trump and other Republicans following the report, which criticized the museum's leadership for not presenting history in a manner deemed 'inspiring, unifying, and worthy of our great republic.'
While there was speculation regarding potential firings within the Smithsonian, Trump does not have the same authority to remove leaders at the Smithsonian as he does at other cultural institutions. The Smithsonian operates independently of the executive branch, and its directors report to Bunch, who is overseen by a Board of Regents that includes the Vice President, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers.
John Roberts, the Chief Justice and chancellor of the Smithsonian, stated that Bunch had 'pursued excellence in the telling of our nation's story.' The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment.