Lonnie Bunch, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, will be retiring, marking the end of a transformative era for the museums and research complexes. His departure follows a period of significant tension with the Trump administration, particularly regarding the handling of protests in Lafayette Square in Washington D.C. in 2020. Bunch oversaw the Smithsonian’s response to calls for racial justice and equity following the death of George Floyd. During his tenure, he championed efforts to diversify the Smithsonian's collections and narratives, broadening representation within its 19 museums, nine research centers, and the National Zoological Park. He is credited with leading the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., a landmark achievement. The Smithsonian has not yet announced a successor, but his leadership will be greatly missed after a period of navigating politically charged circumstances.