Lonnie Bunch III, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, has earned over $4.4 million from 2020 to 2024 while advocating for diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion initiatives at the taxpayer-funded institution.
Lonnie Bunch III, the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, has garnered significant attention for his advocacy of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) initiatives. A recent review by Fox News Digital revealed that Bunch earned over $4.4 million in base salary and benefits from 2020 to 2024.
While the Smithsonian funds executive compensation through private trust revenues to comply with federal pay caps, Bunch’s substantial earnings could attract scrutiny, especially considering that federal taxpayers contribute roughly 60% of the institution’s overall budget.
During his tenure, Bunch has been a proponent of transforming the Smithsonian’s cultural impact. In a 2019 interview with Smithsonian Magazine, he expressed his desire for the institution to make diversity and inclusion so central that it becomes a non-issue. “We call ourselves the Great Convener, but we’re really a great legitimizer,” Bunch stated. “And I want the Smithsonian to legitimize important issues, whether it’s 1619 or climate change,” he added, referencing the controversial 1619 Project, which has faced criticism for alleged inaccuracies.
Bunch emphasized the significance of the Smithsonian’s involvement in discussions surrounding contentious topics. “Everybody that thought about the 1619 Project, whether they liked it or disagreed with it, saw that the Smithsonian had fingerprints on it. And that to me was a great victory,” he remarked.
As secretary, Bunch oversees the Smithsonian’s 21 museums, 21 libraries, the National Zoo, and several research centers. He reports to the organization’s board of regents and manages departments including the deputy secretary, chief operating officer, and external affairs.
Although Bunch’s current salary is not publicly disclosed, the Smithsonian Institution’s 990 tax forms from 2020 to 2024 indicate that he has received millions, with a reported salary of $915,469 and $74,090 in added benefits for 2024. His earnings in previous years ranged from $726,156 to $861,379, with additional benefits reaching up to $68,391.
In addition to his advocacy, Bunch co-authored a policy framework titled “Excellence in DEAI,” aimed at guiding museums in implementing DEAI practices. This 17-page document outlines the need for museums to integrate DEAI responsibilities into their operations, job descriptions, and performance reviews at all levels, from board members to volunteers.
“DEAI is integral to excellence in museum practice. FULL STOP,” Bunch asserted in the document. He further emphasized that amid social, political, and cultural polarization, DEAI must be central to how institutions understand and practice excellence.
Bunch’s comments and those of other Smithsonian leaders have drawn criticism from various quarters, including the Trump administration. A report titled “Saving America’s Story” raised concerns about the Smithsonian’s perceived political bias, suggesting that the organization has shifted from its mission of historical education to one of political activism.
Despite this criticism, Bunch has maintained that he views himself as an apolitical figure. “What the country needs are places that are nonpartisan and safe, where people can grapple with what’s going on around them,” he told Smithsonian Magazine.
The Smithsonian Institution, established by Congress in 1846 as an independent federal trust, relies heavily on taxpayer funding. According to its 2025 management report, approximately two-thirds of the institution’s funding comes from the federal government.
Bunch has not publicly commented on whether he believes his political views conflict with the Smithsonian’s mission or if federal funding should limit the organization’s employees from pursuing a specific agenda.
As the debate over DEAI initiatives and executive compensation continues, the Smithsonian’s role in shaping cultural discourse remains a focal point of public interest.
According to Fox News, the scrutiny surrounding Bunch’s salary and the institution’s political leanings is likely to persist as discussions about the role of museums in society evolve.