Statement from the Board of Regents on Leadership Dispute at the Smithsonian
the institution’s top executive.
The statement from the Board of Regents comes amid a standoff between President Trump and the Smithsonian over the firing of Secretary David Skorton, who was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2015. Trump claimed he had fired Skorton, but the Board of Regents has stated that only Secretary Bunch has the authority to hire and fire staff.
The Smithsonian, which is made up of 19 museums, 21 libraries, and the National Zoo, is a renowned institution that showcases American history and culture. The Board of Regents emphasized that the Secretary is the only person with the authority to make personnel decisions, and that any claims by the President are not valid.
This conflict between the President and the Smithsonian has raised concerns about the politicization of the institution, which prides itself on its nonpartisan approach to education and research. The Board of Regents stressed that the Smithsonian remains committed to maintaining its nonpartisan status and will continue to prioritize the preservation and dissemination of knowledge.
In response to the Board of Regents' statement, Secretary Bunch said, “I am honored to serve as the Secretary of the Smithsonian and am committed to leading this incredible institution with integrity and in the best interest of the American people.” He also expressed his gratitude for the Board's support and reaffirmed the Smithsonian's dedication to its mission.
This dispute over leadership and personnel decisions at the Smithsonian has sparked a conversation about the role of the institution in the current political climate. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact the future of the Smithsonian and its important role in promoting education, research, and cultural understanding."
