Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie Bunch III's Salary and DEI Advocacy Under Scrutiny

Lonnie Bunch III, the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, received over $4.4 million in base salary and benefits from 2020 to 2024, according to a review by Fox News Digital. Bunch has advocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as essential to museum excellence, stating that DEI should be central to institutional practices. His salary details, including a reported $915,469 in 2024, are disclosed in the Smithsonian's tax forms, which indicate that federal taxpayers contribute approximately 60% of the institution's budget. Bunch has emphasized the importance of museums in legitimizing significant issues, including the controversial 1619 Project. He co-authored a policy framework titled "Excellence in DEAI," which outlines the need for accountability in implementing DEI policies across all levels of museum operations. Bunch's advocacy has drawn criticism from some political figures, including those from the Trump administration, who argue that the Smithsonian's mission has shifted towards political activism. Despite this, Bunch maintains that he operates as an apolitical figure, advocating for nonpartisan spaces for public discourse.