Why Lonnie Bunch Is Leaving the Smithsonian
After months of clashes with the White House, the historian and leader of the institution is retiring later this year.
TL;DR
- Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch is retiring at the end of the year.
- Bunch cited his age (73) and his wife's recent retirement as reasons for leaving.
- His tenure faced significant pressure from the White House regarding the narrative of American history.
- Bunch aimed to protect the integrity of the Smithsonian's historical accounts.
- He was the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- The Smithsonian Board of Regents will search for his successor.