FBI Acting Director Paul Abbate Retires as Trump Takes Office

Abbate's unexpected departure leaves uncertainty over FBI leadership as Trump's nominee Kash Patel awaits Senate confirmation.

Paul Abbate, serving as acting FBI director for one day, announced his retirement just before President Trump was inaugurated for his second term.
Abbate's resignation follows former FBI Director Christopher Wray's departure, who stepped down on Sunday after more than seven years in the role.
The abrupt departure creates further uncertainty for the FBI as Kash Patel, Trump's pick for director, awaits Senate confirmation.
Abbate cited his decision to stay past his mandatory retirement age to ensure a smooth transition but chose to step down with new leadership incoming.
The FBI has not officially announced who will lead the bureau in the interim, though it reportedly has a succession plan in place.