Smithsonian Institution Head Lonnie Bunch Announces Retirement

<p>Lonnie Bunch III, the head of the Smithsonian Institution, announced his retirement on September 8, 2026, amid ongoing tensions with the Trump administration regarding the leadership and direction of the nation's museums. Bunch, who has led the Smithsonian since 2019 and was the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, stated he will leave the position by the end of the year.</p><p>In a press release, Bunch expressed mixed emotions about his retirement, saying, "It is with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude that I announce my retirement from the Smithsonian. I have spent nearly half of my life working at and being part of the Smithsonian family, and what a privilege it has been. There is no place like the Smithsonian — it has been one of the great loves of my life, and I am extraordinarily proud of what we have accomplished together." He added, "I leave with pride and sadness, gratitude and joy, and with enormous confidence in the people who will carry this remarkable institution forward." </p><p>Bunch's departure follows increased scrutiny from the Trump administration, which has accused Smithsonian leadership of allowing progressive ideology to influence its presentation of American history. Concerns have been raised about potential violations of federal nondiscrimination law, as indicated in a letter from the Department of the Interior, which claimed that the Smithsonian's institutional culture may have led to significant violations of federal antidiscrimination law, including allegations of creating a hostile work environment and biased allocation of opportunities and funding.</p><p>The letter did not provide specific evidence of illegal activity, and the Department of the Interior did not comment further when contacted by Fox News Digital. The administration has warned that federal agencies could withdraw certain forms of support if these concerns are not addressed, stating that an "appropriate response" from the Smithsonian must address executive leadership and institutional ideology.</p><p>This pressure follows a 2025 executive order directing officials to remove what the administration termed "improper ideology" from the Smithsonian.</p><p>Bunch became the Smithsonian's 14th secretary in June 2019, making him the first African American and first historian to hold the position. He previously led the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, serving as its founding director from 2005 until its opening in 2016. Bunch first joined the Smithsonian in 1978 and has spent nearly four decades at the institution, except for a period when he served as president of the Chicago Historical Society.</p><p>Chief Justice John Roberts, who serves as chancellor of the Smithsonian, praised Bunch's tenure, stating that the institution would work with him to ensure a smooth transition. Roberts said, "From his days as a young curator at the National Air and Space and American History Museums through his tenure as the founding director of the African American History and Culture Museum and culminating in his distinguished service for the past seven years in the Smithsonian’s top job, Secretary Bunch has pursued excellence in the telling of our nation’s story."</p><p>Smithsonian Board of Regents Chair Franklin D. Raines announced that the board will appoint an acting secretary and begin a national search for Bunch's successor.</p>