Key facts
- The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a new leader as current Secretary Lonnie Bunch will step down at year-end.
- Former Smithsonian directors say the next leader must possess political skills to manage external demands and protect institutional independence.
- The Trump administration has pressured the Smithsonian to alter its exhibitions and present a more patriotic version of American history.
- Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery, resigned after being targeted by Trump.
- Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, was questioned by Congress.
- The Trump administration has threatened to cut federal funding for the Smithsonian.
The Smithsonian Institution is initiating a critical search for its next leader, a process complicated by President Donald Trump's administration's pressure campaign to influence the content of its exhibitions and promote a more "patriotic" narrative of American history. Former directors and heads of cultural institutions emphasize that the successor to outgoing Secretary Lonnie Bunch must possess significant political acumen to navigate these demands while safeguarding the institution's independence and commitment to factual storytelling.
Dennis Kelly, former director of the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, highlighted the need for a leader skilled in working with diverse and powerful external audiences across the political spectrum. Unlike institutions like the Kennedy Center, which saw board purges and loyalist installations, the Smithsonian has a degree of independence rooted in its governance across federal branches. However, the administration's direct involvement in content decisions is seen as a departure from previous administrations, which maintained "quiet and professional" interactions.
The Smithsonian's Board of Regents, comprising 17 members including Chief Justice John Roberts and Vice President JD Vance, is responsible for selecting the new secretary. The board's structure, with citizen members nominated by the board, approved by Congress, and signed off by the president, presents an opportunity for Trump to influence future appointments. Several citizen seats are currently vacant, with more terms expiring soon, potentially allowing the administration to nominate allies aligned with its vision.
Vince Haley, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, stated the administration's "hope and expectation" that the Smithsonian will shift away from social justice themes toward a "triumphant account of history," particularly during the nation's 250th anniversary. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), a board member, stressed the importance of experienced leaders committed to the Smithsonian's independence and nonpartisanship. Brent Glass, director emeritus of the National Museum of American History, added that the successor must prioritize fact-based storytelling and research over a political agenda.
Replacing Bunch, who earned a Ph.D. in American and African American history and was the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, is considered a significant challenge. The academic community itself faces pressures from the White House, including funding blocks and investigations. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of the New York Historical, praised Bunch for his dedication to telling an honest history that includes the struggles of various groups.