The Smithsonian's Secret Keeper Steps Aside Lonnie Bunch's decision to retire at year's end brings an abrupt end to a tenure marked by unwavering dedication to the institution.
However, his departure also marks the end of a series of battles with the Trump administration that distracted from and drained the secretary.
As secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, Bunch navigated treacherous waters with aplomb, safeguarding the integrity of America's largest museum system against partisan encroachment.