Lonnie Bunch III, the Smithsonian Institution’s secretary, earned more than $4.4 million in base salary and benefits from 2020 to 2024, according to the institution’s tax filings.
Executive compensation at the Smithsonian is paid through private trust revenues to comply with federal pay limits, yet roughly sixty percent of the organization’s budget is sourced from taxpayers.
During his tenure, Bunch has pursued a sweeping transformation of the institution’s cultural role, emphasizing that diversity and inclusion should become central to museum practice.
He has described the Smithsonian as a “Great Convener” that legitimizes important issues, citing projects such as a controversial historical narrative and climate change as examples of the organization’s influence.
Bunch viewed the debate over a widely discussed historical project as a success, noting that the Smithsonian’s involvement helped shape public discussion.
As secretary, he reports to the board of regents and oversees the Smithsonian’s museums, libraries, national zoo, and research centers, with several senior departments reporting directly to him.
Tax documents show a 2024 salary of $915,469 plus $74,090 in benefits, with earlier years ranging from $726,156 to $861,379 and benefits up to $68,391.
He co‑authored a 17‑page policy framework titled “Excellence in DEAI,” outlining a strategy for embedding diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion across all levels of the institution.
The document stresses that DEAI responsibilities should be included in job descriptions and performance reviews, from board members to volunteers.
Critics, including a report from a former administration, have argued that the Smithsonian’s focus on DEAI has shifted its mission toward political activism rather than purely educational goals.
In response, Bunch maintains that he operates as an apolitical figure, aiming to provide nonpartisan spaces for public engagement.
The Smithsonian, established by Congress in 1846, relies heavily on federal funding, which accounts for about two‑thirds of its overall budget.
Questions remain about whether the institution’s leadership can pursue a specific agenda while remaining accountable to public funds.
