Lonnie Bunch, who is stepping down as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, used his speech on Friday to push back against political interference from the Trump administration. Speaking to hundreds at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, Bunch argued that presenting the unvarnished and difficult aspects of American history is essential to understanding the nation. “You cannot understand all without illuminating the dark corners,” he said, according to The Guardian. The audience responded with a standing ovation.
Bunch's defense comes amid sustained attacks from President Donald Trump and his allies, who have accused the Smithsonian of promoting unpatriotic narratives. The outgoing secretary rejected those claims outright, framing the institution's mission as an act of “great love” for the country. The Smithsonian, the world’s largest museum and research complex, oversees 21 museums, and its exhibits have increasingly become a flashpoint in the broader cultural debate over how America’s history is taught and presented. Bunch’s speech signals a firm commitment to historical accuracy despite political pressure.