Statement from the Board of Regents on Leadership Dispute at the Smithsonian
About the People Mentioned
Donald Trump
Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he took over his family’s real estate business, renaming it the Trump Organization, through which he expanded into building and managing skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015, which helped establish his public persona as a successful entrepreneur. Trump entered politics as a Republican and was elected the 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy actions including tax cuts, deregulation, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, renegotiation of trade agreements (notably replacing NAFTA with the USMCA), and a focus on immigration control including border wall expansion. He withdrew the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, and engaged in a trade war with China. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He remains a central figure in American politics, having won the 2024 presidential election and returned as the 47th president in 2025, continuing to promote policies aimed at economic growth, border security, and military strength[1][2][3][4].
Lonnie G. Bunch III
Lonnie G. Bunch III, born November 18, 1952, in Newark, New Jersey, is an eminent American historian, curator, and educator. He is best known as the founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), which he led from 2005 until 2019 before becoming the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Bunch is the first African American and the first historian to hold this prestigious secretary position, which he assumed on June 16, 2019[2][3][6][8]. Bunch’s career spans over four decades, during which he has played a pivotal role in reshaping public understanding of American history through museums. He began his professional journey as an educator and museum specialist, holding roles at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and National Museum of American History. He was also the founding curator of the California African American Museum and served as president of the Chicago Historical Society before directing the NMAAHC[4][8]. Under Bunch’s leadership, the National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in 2016 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The museum has become the nation’s largest cultural destination devoted to exploring African American history and culture, amassing a collection of around 40,000 objects and welcoming over 11 million visitors. His efforts in establishing the museum have been recognized as transformative, including a Harvard Business Review case study on its creation[3][1]. As Smithsonian Secretary, Bunch oversees 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, and numerous research and education centers. He also supervises the development of two new museums: the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum[3][5]. In 2021, he received France’s highest civilian honor, the Legion of Honor, acknowledging his contributions to cultural preservation and education[5]. Bunch is a prolific author, having documented the process of building the NMAAHC in his book *A Fool’s Errand: Building the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Age of Bush, Obama, and Trump*. He remains a prominent figure in museum leadership and public history.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Smithsonian
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum and research complex, located in Washington, D.C. It was established in 1846 with a bequest from British scientist James Smithson, who left his estate to the United States to found an institution dedicated to "the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men" [2][4]. The organization operates as a trust instrumentality, separate from the federal government's three branches, and is governed by a Board of Regents that includes the Vice President, the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and members of Congress [3][4]. ### History The Smithsonian's history began with Smithson's will in 1826, which stipulated that his estate should go to the United States if his nephew died without heirs. This occurred in 1835, and Congress accepted the bequest in 1836 [4]. The institution was formally established on August 10, 1846, with President Polk signing the act into law [4][5]. ### Key Achievements and Current Status Today, the Smithsonian comprises 21 museums, multiple research centers, and the National Zoo, housing over 137 million objects [3][7]. It is renowned for significant contributions to science, technology, and culture. The institution's collections include artifacts from the U.S. Exploring Expedition, which greatly enhanced its national importance and prestige [2]. The Smithsonian also hosts the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Gallery of Art, among others [5]. ### Notable Aspects The Smithsonian is not only a repository of historical artifacts but also a hub for scientific research and innovation. It has been led by notable secretaries, including Joseph Henry and S. Dillon Ripley, who have shaped its mission and impact [6]. The institution continues to evolve, embracing digital technologies to expand its reach and make its vast collections accessible globally.
Board of Regents
## Overview and Purpose The Board of Regents is a governing body primarily responsible for the oversight, coordination, and strategic direction of public higher education systems within individual U.S. states. These boards function much like a board of directors for a corporation, but their focus is on ensuring that state universities, colleges, and technical schools operate effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with state educational goals[5]. While the specific structure and authority of each Board of Regents vary by state, their core mission is to uphold educational quality, accessibility, and accountability across public institutions[1][5]. ## History The concept of a Board of Regents dates back to the early development of public higher education in the United States, with many states establishing such boards in the 19th and 20th centuries. For example, the New York State Board of Regents, one of the oldest, has roots in the late 18th century and was formally established to supervise all educational activities within the state[1]. Louisiana’s Board of Regents was created by constitutional amendment in 1974, succeeding earlier coordinating bodies to better unify and strengthen the state’s higher education system[6]. Other states, such as Iowa and Tennessee, have also developed their own boards with evolving structures to meet changing educational needs[3][4]. ## Key Achievements Boards of Regents have played pivotal roles in shaping American higher education. They have been instrumental in standardizing academic programs, approving new degrees, setting tuition and fee policies, and overseeing major construction and investment projects[3][6]. By centralizing governance, these boards help institutions avoid duplication, share resources, and respond more nimbly to workforce and economic demands[4]. Many boards have also championed initiatives to increase access for underrepresented groups, promote innovation, and strengthen ties between universities and industry[6]. ## Current Status and Notable Aspects Today, Boards of Regents remain vital to the administration of public higher education. They typically consist
