The Smithsonian’s secretary has announced his resignation amid growing tensions with the Trump administration over the museum’s role in shaping the national narrative. In an interview, he discusses the political challenges facing the institution and reflects on its mission at a pivotal moment. The conversation explores how art and public history intersect with democracy, offering insight into the pressures of leadership during divisive cultural debates. This piece is part of a series examining the broader tensions between creative expression and political influence.
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced that he is stepping down as the institution he leads faces an escalating battle with the Trump administration over how it tells the American story. Geoff Bennett spoke with Bunch about the political pressure, what's at stake for the Smithsonian and how he sees his legacy. It's for our Art in Action series exploring the intersection of art and democracy.
