Acting FBI director unexpectedly steps down as Trump’s pick awaits confirmation

The FBI’s longtime deputy director, who was expected to temporarily replace the director Christopher Wray on an acting basis during the transition to the new Trump administration, says he is retiring. Paul Abbate made the unexpected announcement in an email to senior officials the Monday before President Trump’s Inaugurationconfirmed CBS News.

“When the director asked me to stay on my mandatory date for a short period of time, I did so to help ensure continuity and the best transition for the FBI. Now, with new leadership on the way, after nearly four years in the acting role , I am leaving the FBI today,” Abbate wrote in the letter, according to The Associated Press, which obtained a copy of the email.

Abbate had led the FBI for only one day after Wray stepped down as director on Sunday. Wray was named by Trump in his first term and had been director for more than seven years. He announced his retirement when Trump said he would Kash Patel will be the director.

Abbate’s email did not say who would replace him at the top of the agency in the interim. After the inauguration, the White House issued a list of acting managers it said Brian Driscoll will serve as head of the FBI until the position is filled.

Abbate’s sudden departure after 28 years with the FBI creates further upheaval for a law enforcement agency that had already braced for upheaval in the event Patel is confirmed. A Trump loyalist, Patel has repeatedly criticized FBI leadership and decision-making and has alarmed Democrats with statements suggesting he would be willing to use the FBI to exact retaliation against Trump’s opponents.

Abbate held a number of leadership roles in his nearly three-decade career with the FBI, including head of the bureau’s Detroit and Washington field offices and executive assistant director of the Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Division. He was appointed deputy director, position no. 2 in charge of the FBI’s investigative activities, in 2018.

“As you move forward, continue to stay true to our core values, be there for our partners and take care of those who serve with you. Thank you for your service,” Abbate wrote.

contributed to this report.