Lonnie Bunch’s Final Smithsonian Show Opens Amid Trump Board Takeover Threat
On May 28, 2026, Lonnie G. Bunch III announced that his upcoming exhibition, "American Aspirations," opening on June 2 at the Smithsonian Castle, may be his final one as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, a position he has held since 2019. This exhibition coincides with America's 250th anniversary. Bunch expressed concerns regarding the Trump administration's efforts to secure a majority on the Smithsonian board, which could jeopardize the organization's autonomy. He highlighted that approximately two-thirds of the Smithsonian's financial support is derived from federal funds. Bunch is also recognized as a historian and was instrumental in establishing the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Key facts
- Lonnie G. Bunch III is secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
- He curated the exhibition 'American Aspirations' for America’s 250th anniversary.
- The exhibition opens to the public at the Smithsonian Castle on June 2, 2026.
- Bunch said this is probably the last exhibit he will curate.
- The Trump administration asserts the Smithsonian is too negative about the U.S.
- Allies of President Trump could hold a majority of Smithsonian board seats by fall.
- Two-thirds of Smithsonian funding comes from the federal government.
- Bunch was founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Entities
Artists
- Lonnie G. Bunch III
Institutions
- Smithsonian Institution
- Smithsonian Castle
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- The New York Times
Locations
- Washington
- United States