New Facts: Lonnie Bunch Announces Retirement From Smithsonian

Lonnie G. Bunch III announced Tuesday he will retire as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution at the end of the year. He has held the post since 2019.

The move follows months of accusations from the Trump administration that the museums present a skewed and divisive view of U.S. history. Bunch cited personal reasons for stepping down and acknowledged the pressure had been stressful.

The Smithsonian includes 21 museums and galleries, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, and research and education centers. Bunch was the first African American to serve as secretary, and his announcement starts a leadership transition before year-end.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources