San Francisco Frontiers - Smithsonian secretary to retire as Trump exerts control over institution

Lonnie G. Bunch III -- the first Black person and first historian to serve in the role -- said Tuesday he had "very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude" as he announced his departure by the end of 2026 following seven years in the top job and nearly 38 at the institution overall.

The 73-year-old was named secretary in June 2019, a position that made him leader of the world's largest museum, education and research complex. His career accomplishments include founding the National Museum of African American History and Culture and authoring numerous books, including one on the NMAAHC's creation.

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who serves as the Smithsonian Chancellor, hailed his "distinguished service," adding: "Secretary Bunch has pursued excellence in the telling of our nation's story."

Trump and fellow Republicans in Congress have accused the Smithsonian -- created by the federal government in 1846 but which operates in a unique position outside any branch of government -- of being beholden to liberal "woke" ideology.

A 162-page White House report said that Smithsonian leadership has "consistently denigrated and displaced whites, males, Christians, and Americans in educational materials and programming," and in July the president issued an order to install signage warning visitors about "ideological capture" near the National Museum of American History.

The pressure continued in an August 28 letter by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to the Smithsonian's board of regents -- bypassing Bunch while calling for an in-person meeting to address its accusations of "radical ideology."

Co-signed by Vince Haley, the White House domestic policy chief, it added the government "cannot in good conscience continue to support the Smithsonian under current leadership."

In May 2025, Trump announced he had fired the director of the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, Kim Sajet, calling her "a highly partisan person."

The Smithsonian asserted it had control over personnel matters, but Sajet later resigned, citing the museum's best interests.

Trump is also engaged in an ongoing tussle about having his name appear on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with the administration adding Trump's name to the facade.

A court ordered his name removed, and while the letters have come down, the president's handpicked board members resisted, voting in August to add the words "Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump" beneath Kennedy's name.

The administration has also warned in a court filing the storied arts venue may have to be demolished if courts block the president's plans to overhaul the landmark.

U.Lee--SFF