President Donald Trump made a record number of power moves on Inauguration Day, and one of those moves included filling a temporary, critical role at the FBI.

According to Fox News, Trump appointed Brian Driscoll to serve as acting director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Monday, which was necessary in the wake of the retirement of the previous acting director. 

FBI acting director Paul Abbate, who retired Monday, was appointed on Sunday after previous FBI Director Christopher Wray resigned, meaning Abbate only held the position at the top of the agency's food chain for a single day.

Abbate reportedly retired just minutes before Trump was sworn in to hold his second term in the White House.

What's happening?

The New York Times obtained an email statement written by Abbate explaining why he made the move.

"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 F.B.I. Now, with new leadership inbound, after nearly four years in the deputy role, I am departing the F.B.I.," Abbate wrote.

He added, "I have complete confidence in you and in your ability as a team to continue to carry out our mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution."

🚨🇺🇸 TRUMP APPOINTS NEW FBI CHIEF HOURS INTO PRESIDENCY

Brian Driscoll, a veteran agent and former Hostage Rescue Team commander, was named acting FBI director after Paul Abbate’s abrupt retirement.

Driscoll brings extensive tactical expertise, stepping in as Trump’s pick Kash… https://t.co/SUsq7SgPrw pic.twitter.com/kWEpRa12G6

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 20, 2025

Driscoll's credentials check out, as he has extensive experience on the ground and in leadership roles within the agency.

Fox News noted:

Last week, then-FBI director Wray named Driscoll as the special agent in charge of the FBI field office in Newark, New Jersey. In a press release published on Jan. 14, the agency noted that Driscoll "most recently served as the commander of the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) and Critical Incident Response Group's (CIRG) Tactical Section chief.

For how long?

As far as a permanent head of the federal law enforcement agency, Trump named Kash Patel for the job.

However, Patel will have to pass his Senate confirmation and it's unclear when that will happen, though it should be sooner than later.

Driscoll will presumably serve as the agency's acting director until and if Patel is confirmed by the Senate.

A vast majority of millions of Trump supporters are beyond excited to see how Patel will restore the agency's good reputation.