The Smithsonians leader is stepping down. Where does the Institution go from here?

Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution Lonnie Bunch speaks during an event at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History on February 20, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Lonnie G. Bunch III, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, is stepping down from his post at the end of the year.

The Smithsonian, which includes museums, libraries and a zoo, has been a frequent target of criticism by President Trump.

How might the leadership change affect the revered Institution?


This episode was produced by Jeff Pierre and Elena Burnett, with audio engineering by Hannah Gluvna and Damian Herring. Our director is Jonas Adams.

It was edited by Matt Ozug and Tinbete Ermyas.

Our interim executive producer is Courtney Dorning.

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