The head of the Smithsonian Institution, Lonnie Bunch, has announced he will step down by the end of the year, following pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump. The institution oversees one of the world's largest collections of museums and research centers.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bunch said: "I leave with pride and sadness, gratitude and joy, and with enormous confidence in the people who will carry this remarkable institution forward." He added that it is time for his next chapter, which will allow him to continue to protect the integrity of the Smithsonian and champion the importance of a history that illuminates the complex story of the nation.
Many of the Smithsonian's museums are located on the National Mall in Washington, DC, and attract millions of visitors each year. However, since the start of Trump's second term, the institution has faced increasing criticism from conservatives who object to its depictions of racism, colonialism, and other aspects of US history.
While the Smithsonian is not under the president's direct authority, a large part of its budget comes from the federal government. The Trump administration has threatened to cut funding over the institution's alleged "anti-American ideology." In July, Trump ordered the Department of the Interior to erect "warning signs" near the entrance to the National Museum of American History, and in August, the department sent a letter demanding changes in leadership.
Bunch was appointed as secretary of the Smithsonian in 2019, becoming the first African American to lead the 180-year-old institution. He previously served as director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Under his leadership, the institution became an early target of the Trump administration's anti-DEI campaign, which seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
The Trump administration has sought to exert greater control over cultural institutions, including the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian. In May 2025, Trump claimed to have fired the director of the National Portrait Gallery, who resigned under pressure in June. The Smithsonian also removed references to Trump's impeachments from exhibits before reversing course amid public outcry.
Bunch's resignation has drawn support from historians and artists. Director Ken Burns wrote on social media: "Lonnie Bunch is a great historian, public servant, and a dear friend. He has devoted his career to helping us understand the full American story in all its complexity."
The departure highlights the growing political pressure on cultural institutions in the US, raising concerns about the independence of museums and their ability to present a comprehensive view of history without political interference.
Source: www.aljazeera.com