Bunch, 73, is the Smithsonian’s first Black secretary and previously served as the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016. He has led an institution that includes 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo, libraries and research centers. Bunch’s retirement announcement comes after the Trump administration increased scrutiny of Smithsonian exhibits and educational materials, arguing that some presentations promote what it considers divisive or anti-American narratives. The administration has sought changes to the way the institution presents U.S. history as the country marks its 250th anniversary.

The dispute intensified after a White House review criticized Smithsonian museums and accused some exhibits of emphasizing the country’s historical shortcomings while failing to adequately highlight American achievements. Bunch pushed back against the assessment, maintaining that the Smithsonian’s work reflects the complexity of the nation’s history. The administration has also threatened to restrict federal support for the institution and previously directed Vice President JD Vance, a member of the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents, to pursue changes involving what it described as divisive or anti-American content.