Lonnie G. Bunch III announced Tuesday he will step down as Smithsonian secretary after facing what historians describe as a mounting pressure campaign from the Trump administration. Since President Trump's second term began, the White House has targeted the Smithsonian with executive orders accusing it of liberal bias and anti-American viewpoints, characterizing Bunch as "a Democrat donor and rabid partisan." Samuel J. Redman, a history professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, said Bunch led with "candor, bravery and thoughtfulness" but the culture war battlefield made his position untenable. Bunch, the Smithsonian's first Black secretary, acknowledged the role had been stressful.

Supporters credit Bunch with maintaining the institution's bipartisan support and billions in congressional funding while establishing the National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2016. Henry Louis Gates Jr. praised him as someone who "understands that Black history is American history." However, conservative critics including Mike Gonzalez of the Heritage Foundation and Senator Josh Hawley celebrated his departure, with Hawley writing "Good riddance" on X. Colleagues like Rhea L. Combs expressed sadness at his exit, noting his "visionary, thoughtful leadership." Many worry his departure will allow greater Trump administration influence over the Smithsonian's 21 museums, research centers, and National Zoo.