Bunch has spent the last few months defending the Smithsonian against attacks from President Trump. In a statement, Bunch says he leaves with "mixed emotions."

Lonnie G. Bunch III said Donald Trump’s attacks were not a factor in his decision.

After months of clashes with the White House, the historian and leader of the institution is retiring later this year.

Lonnie Bunch III, the Smithsonian's first black secretary, announced his intention to retire from the institution.

Lonnie Bunch says the decision has been made ‘with very mixed emotions’