Washington, D.C., United States — Ekhbary News Agency
Lonnie Bunch, the esteemed Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, found himself under intense political pressure from the former Trump administration and conservative factions. These groups consistently targeted the Smithsonian's independence and its historical narratives, with then-President Trump publicly declaring the institution "OUT OF CONTROL" and criticizing its focus on the darker aspects of American history, including slavery.
Escalating Tensions and Executive Directives
Tensions escalated significantly in March 2025 when Trump issued an executive order demanding the restoration of "truth and sanity" to American history. This directive specifically instructed Vice President Vance, a member of the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents, to reverse the spread of "divisive ideology" within the museum system. Further demonstrating the administration's intent, Trump attempted to dismiss the director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in May 2025, sparking a two-week standoff. For what it's worth, the Smithsonian, while partly federally funded, is designed to operate independently, a fact seemingly overlooked by the administration.
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An Unexpected White House Encounter
Despite widespread anticipation of a contentious meeting, Bunch’s lunch with Trump at the White House on August 28 of last year unfolded as a "charm offensive," according to Bunch’s advisors. The two-and-a-half-hour discussion, surprisingly, veered away from heated political debates. Instead, it centered on White House decor, including Trump's presentation of four chandelier samples for the Oval Office. Bunch, a historian known for advocating a comprehensive and complex view of American history, wisely chose the gold option, prompting Trump to remark to an aide, "See? He agrees with me!" This unexpected cordiality, rather than confrontation, highlights the often performative nature of political disputes.
