Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch Is Resigning

Lonnie G. Bunch III has announced his decision to resign as the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution before the end of 2026. The first black leader of the Washington-based organization, Bunch retires after 38 years of service, including founding the National Museum of African American History and Culture. His departure follows escalating White House attacks and threats from the Trump administration to reduce federal support due to alleged ideological activism regarding how museums present American history.