Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie Bunch III received over $4.4 million in salary and benefits between 2020 and 2024, a period during which he advocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to be central to the museum's operations. The compensation package, funded through private trust revenues, has drawn attention as federal taxpayers contribute approximately 60% to the institution's overall budget.
During his tenure, Bunch has promoted a significant transformation of the Smithsonian's cultural presentation. In a 2019 interview, he stated his aim was to make "diversity and inclusion so central that it’s no longer talked about." He also expressed a desire for the Smithsonian to "legitimize important issues, whether it’s 1619 or climate change," referencing the 1619 Project, which has faced criticism from scholars for historical inaccuracies.
Bunch's views on diversity were further detailed in a policy framework titled "Excellence in DEAI" (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion), co-written for the American Alliance of Museums. This document emphasizes embedding responsibility for DEAI policies and processes into all levels of institutional operations, job descriptions, and performance reviews. "DEAI is integral to excellence in museum practice. FULL STOP," Bunch wrote, adding that "DEAI must be at the center of how we understand and practice excellence in our institutions" amid "clear structural racism and other forms of oppression."
The Smithsonian, established by Congress in 1846 as an independent federal trust, receives a substantial portion of its funding from the federal government, reportedly two-thirds according to its 2025 management report. This reliance on taxpayer dollars has become a point of contention, particularly following the Trump administration's report, "Saving America’s Story." This report raised concerns that the institution had adopted a political stance, moving away from historical education towards "extreme political activism."
Bunch has stated that he views himself as an apolitical actor aiming to provide "nonpartisan and safe" spaces for public discourse. However, his advocacy for DEAI and his comments on specific initiatives have fueled ongoing debate regarding the Smithsonian's mission and its alignment with historical scholarship versus social activism. The museum has faced scrutiny for exhibits and materials that critics, including the former administration, have labeled as politicized, such as a 2020 infographic on "white culture" and a focus on racial reparations.
While Bunch's current salary is not publicly disclosed, tax forms from 2020 to 2024 indicate his total compensation, including base salary and added benefits, ranged from approximately $726,156 to $915,469 annually, culminating in over $4.4 million for the five-year period. The Smithsonian did not immediately comment on whether Bunch believes his political leanings conflict with the institution's purpose or the implications of federal funding on its agenda.