Democratic lawmakers back outgoing Smithsonian chief, call for unfiltered historical narrative
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced he will step down by the end of the year. Democratic members of Congress praised his efforts to present a complete American history, even as the institution faces pressure from the White House to align with its vision. Bunch, the first African American and historian to lead the Smithsonian, has been with the institution since 1978.
Bunch joined the Smithsonian in 1978 as an education specialist and later founded the National Museum of African American History and Culture before becoming secretary in 2019. He emphasized expanding the institution's educational and research reach.
His exit follows a White House executive order and a report alleging ideological bias. Republican bills to codify those changes have stalled, and Congress preserved roughly $1 billion in funding despite a proposed 12% cut, leaving Bunch navigating political crosscurrents.
The departure could reshape how millions of museum visitors and students encounter American history. The search for a successor may intensify debates over whether institutions prioritize scholarly accuracy or political alignment. Since federal funding provides most of the Smithsonian's budget, the outcome could influence public funding priorities and the cultural narratives presented to future generations, potentially affecting educational standards and national identity discussions.