US News
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III plans to retire at year end
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III plans to step down by year end, according to CBS News.
The short version
- Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III announced plans to retire at the end of the year.[CBS News]
- Bunch became the first historian and first African American to lead the Smithsonian when he assumed the role in 2019.[CBS News]
- He stated that White House political pressures did not trigger his decision to step down.[CBS News]
Key facts
- Lonnie G. Bunch III plans to leave his position as Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution at the end of the year.[CBS News]
- Bunch became the first historian and first African American Secretary in the Smithsonian's history in 2019.[CBS News]
- The Secretary of the Smithsonian oversees 20 museums and the National Zoo.[CBS News]
- In March 2025, President Trump issued an executive order criticising the Smithsonian and threatening funding cuts.[CBS News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.