Outgoing secretary Lonnie Bunch defended the Smithsonian Institution against political interference, emphasizing that revealing the complex truths of history is an act of "great love" for the country. Speaking on Friday at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, Bunch received a standing ovation from hundreds of audience members.
Defending Patriotism
Bunch rejected claims that the institution's staff or exhibitions were unpatriotic, stating:
“"The notion that somehow this museum or any part of the Smithsonian is done by people who don’t love America, don’t care about America, is unbelievably wrong. And what you see in this building is great love. Great respect."
Bunch, who announced he will step down at the end of the year, spoke at an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the African American museum, where he was the founding director. His remarks come amid escalating hostility from Donald Trump’s administration, which accused Smithsonian leaders of being radical activists and ordered a review of museum content ahead of the US’s 250th anniversary.
Addressing Historical Context
Last year, Trump criticized the Smithsonian on his Truth Social platform, claiming:
“"The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been – Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future."
