Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, announced his retirement on Tuesday after 38 years of service to the institution, including seven years in the top role.

In the statement, Bunch said he would step down at the end of the year. “It is with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude that I announce my retirement from the Smithsonian,” he said. “I have spent nearly half of my life working at and being part of the Smithsonian family, and what a privilege it has been.”

Bunch, 73, previously served as the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture before becoming secretary in 2019. He was the first African American to hold the position.

The announcement comes as the Trump Administration has increased scrutiny of the Smithsonian, citing concerns over what officials describe as extreme political activism and a shift toward partisan interpretations of American history.

In an August 28 letter labeled “Saving America’s Story”, the administration warned that federal agencies might cease cooperation with the institution if leadership changes do not occur.

Bunch has said the retirement decision was not driven by administration pressure, describing it instead as the right time for his next chapter, which he said could involve teaching or a fellowship. He acknowledged the role's stresses in recent interviews.

This announcement comes amid the ongoing clash between the Trump Administration and Smithsonian Museum Director Anthea Hartig, who is accused of shifting the museum’s direction from historical education to activism.

In Saving America’s Story, the documents cite Hartig's past statements, including a remark that "loving America is very complicated" and her description of history as a "prime tool of social justice."

Hartig also faced increased scrutiny after a UCLA presentation in which she described history as “a prime tool of social justice.”

Hartig maintained that the museum operates as a nonpartisan institution committed to scholarship, accuracy, and independence, rejecting characterizations of bias and noting the museum's collections and programs reflect established historical standards.

According to the Smithsonian press release, it will announce additional details about the leadership transition at a later date.