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Lonnie Bunch Defends Smithsonian After White House Report

institutional · 2026-07-09

Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, sent a letter to staff defending the National Museum of American History after a negative White House report. The report criticized the museum's exhibits and programming, but Bunch argued it was not a fair characterization of the museum's work. The letter emphasized the museum's commitment to presenting a complete and accurate history of the United States. Bunch's response comes amid ongoing debates about how American history is portrayed in national institutions.

Key facts

  • Lonnie G. Bunch III wrote a letter to staff defending the Smithsonian
  • The White House issued a negative report about the National Museum of American History
  • Bunch called the report 'not a fair characterization' of the museum's work
  • The report criticized exhibits and programming at the museum
  • The letter emphasized the museum's commitment to accurate history
  • The controversy involves how American history is portrayed
  • The National Museum of American History is part of the Smithsonian Institution
  • The letter was sent in response to the White House report

Entities

Institutions

Locations

  • Washington, D.C.
  • United States

Sources