Smithsonian launches national search for next secretary
Smithsonian searches for new secretary after Bunch's departure.
Event / Politics
Smithsonian Leadership Transition
Lonnie G. Bunch III, the first African American Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, announced his resignation effective by the end of 2026 after seven years leading the world's largest museum complex, following sustained criticism from the Trump administration over the institution's presentation of American history.
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2026-09-09 to 2026-11-06 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 9 Sept, 01:31 UTC
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What happened
Bunch appointed as Smithsonian Secretary, first African American historian in role
Lonnie G. Bunch III was named Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in June 2019, becoming the first historian and first African American to hold the position. He had spent approximately 38 years at the Smithsonian prior to his appointment as Secretary.
Trump administration releases report criticizing Smithsonian's presentation of American history
In July 2026, the Trump administration released a 162-page report through the White House Domestic Policy Council accusing the Smithsonian Institution of engaging in extreme political activism and presenting a radical view of American history. The report specifically targeted the National Museum of American History, alleging its leadership adopted an ideological framework treating the American story as a political instrument to divide citizens rather than as a shared national inheritance.
Smithsonian National Museum of American History director testifies before Congress
Anthea Hartig, Director of the National Museum of American History, testified before a House Subcommittee on Delivering Government Efficiency in July 2026. In her testimony, she pushed back against White House criticism, asserting that the museum does not take sides in political debates and operates under Smithsonian standards of scholarship, accuracy, independence, and nonpartisanship.
Trump administration threatens to withhold federal funds from Smithsonian
The Trump administration mounted escalating attacks against the Smithsonian Institution, accusing its leadership of presenting a radical view of American history and threatening to withhold federal funds and support from the institution.
Smithsonian Board of Regents launches national search for new secretary
The Smithsonian Institution's Board of Regents, chaired by Franklin D. Raines, announced it will appoint an acting secretary and launch a national search for Bunch's successor following his resignation.
Bunch founded National Museum of African American History and Culture
Lonnie G. Bunch III served as the founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture beginning in 2005. He oversaw the conception and construction of the museum's building on the National Mall, which opened in September 2016.
Lonnie G. Bunch III resigns as Smithsonian Institution Secretary
Lonnie G. Bunch III announced his resignation as Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, effective by the end of 2026. Bunch, 73, served as the 14th Secretary and was the first African American and first historian to hold the position. He had led the institution for over seven years. Bunch stated he intends to retire.
Trump issues executive order directing ideological review of Smithsonian museums
President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 27, 2025 titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, directing Vice President J.D. Vance to remove improper ideology from Smithsonian institutions. The order argued that materials casting America in a negative light have no place in federal cultural institutions.
Trump orders corrective signs installed at National Museum of American History
In July 2025, President Trump ordered federal officials to install signs outside the National Museum of American History to correct what he characterized as 'inaccurate' information presented about American history. This followed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's letter accusing the Smithsonian's leadership of allowing 'radical institutional ideology' to influence the American history museum.
Trump administration launches review of Smithsonian exhibits
The Trump administration launched an internal review of Smithsonian museums in 2025, focusing on eight institutions including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of American History, the Air and Space Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery. The review examines public-facing content including exhibition text, social media, and educational materials to assess historical framing and alignment with American ideals. The National Museum of African American History and Culture was specifically cited in a March 2025 executive order for allegedly featuring 'divisive, race-centered ideology.'
Lonnie Bunch announces retirement as Smithsonian secretary
Lonnie Bunch, 73, announced his retirement as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution effective at the end of 2025. Bunch has worked at the Smithsonian for 38 years and served as secretary since 2019, making him the first African American to hold the role in the institution's 173-year history. He co-founded the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016.
Chief Justice Roberts praises Bunch's leadership at Smithsonian
Chief Justice John Roberts, who serves as chancellor of the Smithsonian and sits on its Board of Regents, stated that Bunch 'has pursued excellence in the telling of our nation's story' and that the Regents have benefited from his wisdom, vision and leadership. Roberts expressed commitment to working with Bunch to ensure a smooth transition for his successor.
Interior Secretary accuses Smithsonian of promoting radical ideology
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum sent a letter to the Smithsonian accusing its leadership of sanctioning radical institutional ideology at the American history museum. Burgerm stated that the museum's approach weakens shared American identity and erases heritage, claiming the institution is weaponizing national traditions to support a political agenda.
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2 alternative perspectives
Trump administration escalates pressure on Smithsonian with funding threats
Trump administration escalates Smithsonian pressure through funding threats and ideological review orders.
Trump administration orders Smithsonian exhibits reviewed and corrected
Trump administration reviews Smithsonian exhibits and orders corrective signage amid ideology allegations.
Lonnie Bunch Steps Down as Smithsonian Secretary After Leading Era
Lonnie Bunch retires as Smithsonian secretary after praised tenure leading the institution.