Congressman Mfume Statement on the Retirement of Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch

Image September 9, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, in response to the retirement of Smithsonian Secretary Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07) released the following statement: "Lonnie Bunch has devoted nearly four decades to ensuring that America tells its whole, unvarnished story. He understood that our history, in all its complexity and consequence, deserves to be preserved, taught, and understood. His extraordinary work bringing the National Museum of African American History and Culture to life changed the National Mall and changed the way current and future generations of Americans understand our nation and themselves." "Shame again on Donald Trump, who wants to impose his own brand of history and facts on the American public. Kudos to Dr. Lonnie Bunch for a fight well fought. Scholarship is more important than presidential gamesmanship." ###