Lonnie Bunch, the outgoing secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, defended the organization against accusations of political bias, saying that presenting the complex truths of history is an act of "great love" for the country. Speaking at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington on Friday, Bunch received a standing ovation and dismissed claims that the institution's staff or exhibitions were unpatriotic. He emphasized that the museum and the Smithsonian as a whole were driven by a deep respect and love for America. Bunch, who will step down at the end of the year, was speaking at an event marking the 10th anniversary of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where he served as founding director. His remarks come amid heightened tensions with the Trump administration, which issued a report accusing Smithsonian leaders of being radical activists and ordered a review of museum content ahead of the US's 250th anniversary. Last year, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the Smithsonian was "OUT OF CONTROL," focusing on negative aspects of American history. Bunch countered that slavery is foundational to understanding the US and expressed frustration with those who are uncomfortable discussing its legacy. He said he wished he could share the belief in America that his enslaved ancestors had, and emphasized the importance of understanding how they laid the foundation for the nation. Bunch argued that museum curation must be based on independent scholarship rather than political pressure, stating that understanding a country's greatness requires acknowledging its full history, including its darker aspects. The White House has accused cultural institutions of seeking to "rewrite our Nation's history" and ordered warning signs placed outside the National Museum of American History. Trump has also threatened to demolish the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington after a judge ruled he could not attach his name to it. Bunch assured his audience that the National Museum of African American History and Culture would endure, recalling how visiting the museum helped him persevere during difficult times. Moderator Laura Coates, a CNN anchor, asked if he had recently felt "beaten up," to which Bunch humorously replied, "Just once or twice." He described the museum as a "beacon of possibility" and a "place of resistance," adding that it would stand as long as there is an America. The discussion also featured Shonda Rhimes, a television producer and board member, who pledged $1 million to a newly launched legacy fund in Bunch's honor. The fund, seeded by a $3.5 million anonymous donation, aims to reach a minimum goal of $10 million. Acting museum director Shanita Brackett stated the fund will "support this museum uniquely and solely," ensuring it continues to reflect values of inclusion, public engagement, and independent scholarship without influence. The Smithsonian Institution operates outside the executive branch under a board of regents that includes Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Vice President JD Vance. After Bunch's announcement that he would step down, Democratic Senator Alex Padilla praised him for speaking "truth to power" in the face of Trump's attacks. The Heritage Foundation, a conservative thinktank, pledged to ensure Bunch's successor does not treat the institution as a "culture-war battleground."