national
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch Announces Retirement Effective Year-End
Just the facts
Lonnie Bunch, 73, has served as the 14th secretary of the Smithsonian Institution since 2019, becoming the first African American to lead the institution in its history. His retirement follows federal scrutiny and public criticism from the Trump administration regarding exhibition content across the institution's network of museums. Smithsonian Chancellor and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts stated that the Board of Regents will coordinate with Bunch over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. Bunch previously served as the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened to the public in Washington, D.C., in 2016.
Why this is news
Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, that he will retire from his leadership post at the end of the year.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.