Lonnie Bunch to Retire as Smithsonian Institution Head

Lonnie G. Bunch III announced Tuesday that he will retire as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, ending a tenure that placed him at the center of efforts by President Donald Trump's administration to reshape the museum system. Bunch, the 14th secretary of the 180-year-old museum network, insisted his departure after 45 years of professional service was a personal decision rather than a concession to political figures. Advertisement Scroll To Continue with Content "For, I don't know, 45 years, work has taken precedence over family, and I just said at 73, enough's enough," said Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Also Read Trump Map Posts Trigger Icelandic Diplomatic Protest and Local Backlash He noted that his primary motive was spending more time with his relatives after decades of intense public leadership. "There's never a good time, but I think the key is I want to be able to have as many years as I can with the family and the grandkids," said Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. The announcement follows heightened scrutiny from the executive branch, including an August 28 warning letter indicating federal agencies might sever partnerships with the Smithsonian unless leadership changes occurred. The letter referenced a previous report accusing the institution of leaning toward extreme political activism. Also Read Trump Dominates Republican Convention Strategy Ahead of Midterms Bunch previously took steps to maintain institutional independence while complying with federal document requests regarding museum exhibitions. "It's our job to tell an accurate, complex and truthful history," said Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. President Trump has repeatedly criticized the Smithsonian's historical framing as overly ideological. In July, an executive order instructed the National Park Service to place temporary signs warning of inaccurate information near the National Museum of American History. Also Read Democrats Target Red Districts to Reclaim US House Majority The Smithsonian Board of Regents will choose the next secretary. The board consists of Vice President JD Vance, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, lawmakers from both parties, and public members.