FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate Retires as Trump's Pick Kash Patel Awaits Senate Confirmation

Jan 20, 2025, 05:23 PM

Paul Abbate, who had been the FBI's deputy director and was expected to serve as acting director following the departure of Christopher Wray, has announced his retirement from the bureau after serving for 28 years. His retirement was effective on the same day President Donald Trump was sworn into office, leaving uncertainty about the leadership of the FBI as Kash Patel, Trump's pick for director and a Trump loyalist, awaits Senate confirmation. Abbate's decision to retire was communicated through an email to senior executives, indicating his departure after nearly four years in the deputy role to ensure a smooth transition for the FBI.