Smithsonian Secretary Defends American History Museum After White House Report

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III has responded to a recent White House report. The report offered a negative assessment of the National Museum of American History. Bunch addressed the situation directly in a letter sent to museum staff members. He pushed back against the findings contained in the White House’s evaluation. Bunch stated that the report was not a fair characterization of the institution’s work. He emphasized the totality of the National Museum of American History’s contributions. The defense highlights a disagreement between the Smithsonian leadership and the White House. This public response aims to reassure staff regarding the museum’s standing and mission.