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Lonnie Bunch, the first Black secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, has announced his retirement following sustained political pressure and public clashes with the Trump administration. His departure marks the end of a decade-long tenure defined by efforts to modernize the museum network amid growing ideological disputes.
Smithsonian leader Lonnie Bunch is navigating a delicate political balance as America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, reflecting on the nation's history and future.
Lonnie Bunch, a Smithsonian executive, earned over $4.4 million from 2020-2024 while promoting DEAI and diversity initiatives at the taxpayer-funded institution, drawing public attention to his eye-popping salary.
Lonnie G. Bunch III, head of the Smithsonian Museum, has defended the institution in a letter to staff, stating that a recent White House report provided an unfair characterization of the National Museum of American History's work.