FBI Director Paul Abbate resigns right before Trump's inauguration, according to a report.

Christopher Wray resigns from the FBI, and Abbate retires the next day.

FBI Director Paul Abbate resigns right before Trump's inauguration, according to a report.
FBI Director Paul Abbate resigns right before Trump's inauguration, according to a report.

According to reports, Paul Abbate, the acting director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, retired right before Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president.

On Dec. 11, former FBI Director Christopher Wray announced his resignation, which took effect on Sunday.

The New York Times reported that Abbate, who replaced Wray, resigned from the bureau after only one day in office.

Abbate testifies before the Senate
Deputy FBI Director Paul Abbate prepares to testify before a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committees on July 30, 2024, in Washington. (Michael A. McCoy for Washington Post via Getty Images)

At noon ET Monday, Abbate's departure took effect, coinciding with Trump's scheduled oath of office at the U.S. Capitol. It was unclear who would replace Abbate as acting FBI director.

"On Monday, Abbate wrote in an internal email that he stayed on past his mandatory date to help ensure continuity and the best transition for the F.B.I. However, with new leadership inbound, after nearly four years in the deputy role, he is departing the F.B.I. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to continue carrying out their mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution."

Chris Wray speaks at Garland's farewell ceremony
FBI Director Christopher Wray gives remarks at Attorney General Merrick Garland's farewell ceremony at the Department of Justice on Jan. 16, 2025. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In 2021, Wray appointed Abbate as deputy FBI director and extended his tenure beyond the mandatory retirement age of 57, as per the New York Times.

In 2017, Trump appointed Wray to lead the FBI, but their relationship deteriorated due to ongoing federal investigations into Trump. Recently, the FBI conducted a raid on Trump's home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, in August 2022.

Trump criticized the "weaponization" of the Justice Department during his 2024 presidential campaign and appointed Kash Patel to lead the FBI. Patel's Senate confirmation hearing has not yet been scheduled.

Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th US President in the US Capitol Rotunda
Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Jan. 20, 2025. (Saul Loeb/Pool via REUTERS)

"Trump vowed to restore balance to the scales of justice and put an end to the unfair and violent use of the Justice Department during his inauguration speech."

The FBI was contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for a comment.

by Danielle Wallace

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