With Lonnie G. Bunch III stepping down as Smithsonian secretary, President Trump gains his best opportunity to influence the institution. The Smithsonian, created by Congress in 1846 from James Smithson's bequest, operates independently with 21 museums and the National Zoo on the National Mall in Washington. It is governed by a 17-member Board of Regents including the vice president, chief justice, six members of Congress, and nine private citizens serving six-year terms.

Three board seats have been vacant since April, with three more terms expiring by October. Two sources told The New York Times that Vice President JD Vance delayed action on nominees because Trump wanted to substitute more like-minded candidates. In a March 2025 executive order, Trump criticized the Smithsonian for a "divisive, race-centered ideology" and directed Vance to work with Republican congressional leaders to appoint regents aligned with his policy.

The Organization of American Historians defended Bunch's "intellectual rigor" and "political courage" after the White House called him a "rabid partisan." Bunch will remain through year-end while the board's search committee identifies a successor, a process that historically involved broad consultation but now faces unprecedented political pressure.