Smithsonian chief Lonnie Bunch to retire amid White House-led content review
Lonnie G. Bunch III, the Smithsonian secretary, plans to retire and is slated to speak at a Sept. 25 event at the National Museum of African American History and Culture titled “Understanding America: 10 Years of Excellence.” The Smithsonian has been under a White House–led review since 2025 examining tone and framing of exhibits and public content, affecting eight major museums; Sen. Alex Padilla praised Bunch, while the Board of Regents and Congress will determine next steps for the institution.