Paul Abbate, who as the FBI's longtime deputy director had been expected to replace Director Christopher Wray on an acting basis, is retiring from the bureau, according to an email he sent to senior executives and obtained by The Associated Press on Monday.

A veteran of the bureau, Mr. Abbate has served as deputy director since early 2021 and took the helm from Christopher A. Wray as the agency faces an uncertain future.

The FBI’s acting director told senior leadership he was retiring Monday, as the bureau braces for a major shakeup under the Trump administration. Paul Abbate had earlier been expected to serve in the role for a few months after Christopher Wray’s departure.

FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate retired from his post minutes after President Trump was sworn into office. Mr. Abbate, who was a key member of the leadership team that critics say politicized FBI culture and investigations,