FBI acting chief says he's retiring from bureau

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.

It is unclear who will run the FBI while Senate confirmation proceedings get underway for Kash Patel, who is new US President Donald Trump's pick for FBI director.

"When the Director asked me to stay on past my mandatory date for a brief time, I did so to help ensure continuity and the best transition for the FBI. Now, with new leadership inbound, after nearly four years in the deputy role, I am departing the FBI today," Abbate wrote.

Abbate's email did not say who would replace him atop the bureau.

The FBI does have succession plan, according to a person familiar with the situation who was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Wray's final day was Sunday.

Wray was named by Trump during his first term and had been director for more than seven years.

Wray announced his retirement after Trump said he wanted Patel to be the director.