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PBS News Hour

Lonnie Bunch on political pressure facing the Smithsonian

Season 2026 Episode 184 | 10m 53s

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced that he is stepping down as the institution he leads faces an escalating battle with the Trump administration over how it tells the American story. Geoff Bennett spoke with Bunch about the political pressure, what’s at stake for the Smithsonian and how he sees his legacy. It's for our Art in Action series exploring the intersection of art and democracy.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
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