Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch will retire by the end of 2026 after nearly 38 years with the institution, according to the Smithsonian. His departure comes amid tensions with the Trump administration over how the institution presents American history.
Bunch, 73, previously challenged a White House review of the Smithsonian, saying it did not fairly characterize the National Museum of American History. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to scholarship, accuracy, independence and nonpartisanship.
During his tenure, Congress approved plans for two additional museums focused on American women’s history and the American Latino experience.
According to the report, Bunch said his retirement would allow him to pursue a new chapter while continuing to defend the Smithsonian’s integrity and historical mission.
The Smithsonian’s Board of Regents will appoint an acting secretary and begin a nationwide search for Bunch’s successor.
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BREAKING: Smithsonian head Lonnie Bunch to retire amid allegations of far-left woke messaging at its museums pic.twitter.com/XJkDo47mha
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 8, 2026
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