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"What’s crazy is that the 2026 midterms are entirely in Trump’s control."

Will Donald Trump be a Primary Voting Factor in the 2026 US Midterms?

Lonnie G. Bunch III announced Tuesday that he will retire as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, saying he leaves "with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude." The Smithsonian said he is expected to depart by the end of the year.

Lonnie G. Bunch III announced Tuesday that he will retire as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, saying he leaves "with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude." The Smithsonian said he is expected to depart by the end of the year.

Bunch, 73, said in interviews that pressure from the Trump administration did not prompt his exit, telling The New York Times it was "really just saying, now's the time." He also said the role had been stressful.

Bunch, 73, said in interviews that pressure from the Trump administration did not prompt his exit, telling The New York Times it was "really just saying, now's the time." He also said the role had been stressful.

Bunch has worked at the Smithsonian for 38 years and became secretary in 2019, the first Black person and first historian in the post. He was founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016.

Bunch has worked at the Smithsonian for 38 years and became secretary in 2019, the first Black person and first historian in the post. He was founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016.

The Trump administration warned the Smithsonian this month that federal agencies could halt support over alleged violations of antidiscrimination law. The institution receives roughly $1 billion in annual federal funding.

The Trump administration warned the Smithsonian this month that federal agencies could halt support over alleged violations of antidiscrimination law. The institution receives roughly $1 billion in annual federal funding.

In July, the White House Domestic Policy Council released a 162-page report accusing the National Museum of American History of "extreme political activism." The Organization of American Historians condemned the report, and Bunch defended the museum.

In July, the White House Domestic Policy Council released a 162-page report accusing the National Museum of American History of "extreme political activism." The Organization of American Historians condemned the report, and Bunch defended the museum.

Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 directing Vice President JD Vance to remove "improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" from the Smithsonian. Vance sits on the Board of Regents, which will select the next secretary.

Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 directing Vice President JD Vance to remove "improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" from the Smithsonian. Vance sits on the Board of Regents, which will select the next secretary.

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch to Retire Amid Pressure

Smithsonian’s Secretary toLonnie ResignBunch as Trump Tries to RuleRetire theAmid InstitutionPressure

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Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch to Retire Amid Pressure

Smithsonian’s Secretary toLonnie ResignBunch as Trump Tries to RuleRetire theAmid InstitutionPressure

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