Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.   Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution

September 10, 2026 - WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) released the following statement after Secretary of the Smithsonian Lonnie G. Bunch III announced his decision to depart from the Smithsonian Institution:

Related: Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III Announces Retirement As He Conclude a Distinguished Career That Includes More Than Three Decades of Smithsonian Service and the Creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

“Secretary Bunch has been instrumental in telling and preserving the story of our nation and our culture, putting truth and accuracy over politics. Since 2019, he has protected the Smithsonian’s long-standing mission of telling the full story of America, and not shying away from the challenges and injustices many have faced throughout our history. I have had the honor of working with Secretary Bunch to ensure the voices of all Americans are represented and uplifted in our museums. I commend him for his longstanding service to our country and I wish him the best in his retirement.

“In the face of Donald Trump’s attacks on the Smithsonian, Secretary Bunch spoke truth to power and reasserted his commitment to defend and uphold American history and values. While I respect his decision to depart, the job now falls to the Board of Regents and Congress to ensure the success of his work will remain for generations to come.

“While Trump continues to try to re-write history, I will continue to fight to defend the Smithsonian’s independence from Trump’s pressure campaign and political agenda. And I fully expect the Regents and my colleagues in Congress to do the same.” 

Source: Senator Alex Padilla