Smithsonian secretary to resign as Trump seeks to remake institution

Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III announced that he is stepping down from his role amid the White House's escalating attacks on how the Smithsonian presents history. Bunch, the Smithsonian's first Black secretary, has led the prestigious institution that includes 21 museums and the National Zoo for seven years. A statement from the Smithsonian said Bunch will depart before the end of the year. He told multiple news outlets he intends to retire. His departure comes as the Trump administration has ramped up attacks on the institution for presenting what it describes as a biased, "woke" view of American history that downplays the country's greatest achievements while overemphasizing themes like racism and inequality. In an interview with The New York Times, Bunch said it wasn't the Trump administration that led him to step down. But he did acknowledge the role has been "stressful." "It was really just saying, now's the time," he told the outlet, adding: "I'm a fighter." "I have to be honest, it has been stressful," he continued. "And at a certain point, I'd like to wake up in the morning and not look at my cellphone." This is a breaking story. Check back for updates. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Smithsonian secretary to resign as Trump seeks to remake institution Reporting by Christopher Cann, USA TODAY / USA TODAY USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect This story was originally published September 8, 2026 at 11:53 AM.