Lonnie Bunch steps down as head of Smithsonian Institution amid political pressure
The first African American secretary of the American museum institution has announced his retirement after facing criticism from the Trump administration over what it deemed an overly progressive orientation.
Lonnie Bunch, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution since 2019 and the first African American to hold the position, has announced his retirement, according to information reported by Le Monde on September 9, 2026.
The announcement comes as the institution, which oversees several museums and research centers in Washington, faced mounting pressure from the Trump administration. According to Le Monde, the administration accused the Smithsonian of promoting a worldview deemed overly progressive.
Lonnie Bunch's departure, a prominent figure in American museology and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, occurs amid broader tensions between certain American cultural institutions and executive power, according to the same source.
Le Monde notes that his departure is presented by Bunch himself as a retirement, despite his facing political criticism in recent months.
The Smithsonian Institution has not provided additional details on the timeline for appointing a successor to the position, according to available information.
Sources
- Etats-Unis : Le Secrétaire de la Smithsonian Institution, Lonnie Bunch, quitte son poste sur fond de pressions politiques — Le Monde — Une
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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