Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch is stepping down at the end of 2026 after years of increasing scrutiny from President Donald Trump and his administration over how the institution presents American history.

Lonnie Bunch, who has led the Smithsonian since 2019, announced Tuesday that he will retire from his position at the end of the year. His departure follows months of escalating conflict between the Smithsonian and the Trump administration over accusations that some of the institution’s museums have promoted divisive or “anti-American” narratives.

Bunch became the Smithsonian’s first Black secretary and previously served as the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. As secretary, he oversees the Smithsonian’s 21 museums, 21 libraries, National Zoo, and numerous research and education centers.

The Trump administration has repeatedly criticized the Smithsonian’s approach to American history. In March 2025, Trump signed an executive order directing the administration to address what it described as “improper, divisive or anti-American ideology” at the Smithsonian and its properties.

The administration intensified its scrutiny this year. A White House report released in July accused Smithsonian museum leadership of presenting American history in ways that were not sufficiently “inspiring” or “unifying.” Trump has also publicly criticized the institution, arguing that its exhibits have focused too heavily on slavery and the country’s failures while giving insufficient attention to American achievements.

The administration’s pressure escalated last week when Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and White House Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley warned that federal agencies could withdraw certain forms of support for the Smithsonian. The officials accused the institution of violating anti-discrimination laws and promoting what the administration described as an anti-American narrative.

Bunch has pushed back against those criticisms, defending the Smithsonian’s historical work and arguing that the institution has a responsibility to present the complexities of the American experience. Following the White House report, he told staff that while there was always room for improvement, he did not believe the administration’s characterization fairly represented the work of the National Museum of American History.

Despite the timing of his departure, Bunch said the pressure from the White House did not directly cause his decision to retire. He has described the position as increasingly taxing and said he wants to move on to the next chapter of his career.

Bunch’s departure will leave the Smithsonian searching for a new secretary as the institution continues to face questions about how it presents American history and how much influence the federal government should have over its museums and educational programs.