U.S. Military Reports Destruction of Iranian Oil Tankers, Smithsonian Secretary Resigns

Why it matters locally: The resignation of Lonnie G. Bunch III as Secretary of the Smithsonian directly impacts a major cultural and educational institution headquartered within the District of Columbia. The Executive Office of the Mayor will be keenly interested in the leadership transition of such a prominent entity located in the city.

The U.S. military reported the destruction of five Iranian oil tankers. This action follows continued developments in the region. Separately, Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian, announced plans to resign. He will step down from his position by the end of the current year. Bunch spoke during the National Archives Foundation Records of Achievement Award Ceremony and Gala 2023. The event took place on December 4, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Tasos Katopodis provided an image of Bunch at the event.