Smithsonian Leader Bunch Responds to Political Pressure Criticisms
Stepping down Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie Bunch received a standing ovation in defense of the museum's independent work.
Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie Bunch pushed back against political pressure and criticism from the Trump administration, stating that telling history with all its truths is a requirement of patriotism.
Enthusiastic Reception at the Museum
Lonnie Bunch received a standing ovation from hundreds of attendees at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington. Claims suggesting that the institution's staff or exhibits were unpatriotic were firmly rejected.
Decision to Step Down and Anniversary
Bunch, who announced earlier this month that he would step down at the end of the year, spoke at the tenth-anniversary celebration of the African American museum, where he served as founding director.
Trump Administration Criticisms
The speech took place against the backdrop of mounting hostility from the Donald Trump administration, which has accused Smithsonian leaders of being radical activists and demanded a sweeping content review ahead of the US semiquincentennial.
Emphasis on Independent Scholarly Work
Arguing that slavery is one of the foundational stones of understanding the US, Bunch emphasized that museum exhibition activities must be based on independent academic research rather than political pressure.
Endowment Fund and Support Established in His Honor
At the event, which was also attended by television producer and board member Shonda Rhimes, it was announced that one million dollars would be donated to a newly established legacy fund in honor of Lonnie Bunch.