FBI's McCabe Is to Retire Sunday. He Might Be Fired First

Though he's left his Justice Department post, former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe's retirement doesn't technically take effect until Sunday, when he becomes eligible for a full pension. And perhaps it won't at all. Sources say the FBI's Office of Professional Responsibility has recommended McCabe be fired over the findings of a still-unreleased inspector general's review of McCabe's actions ahead of the 2016 election, including his decision to allow FBI officials to discuss an investigation of the Clinton Foundation with reporters, the New York Times reports. McCabe was found to have not been forthcoming in the investigation into those actions, reports the Washington Post, citing people familiar with the matter, leading to the recommendation. They say Attorney General Jeff Sessions has yet to make a decision, which McCabe could appeal.

Still, DOJ sources expect the 21-year FBI veteran to be fired by Friday, putting his pension at risk. Such a move would be controversial, not just because McCabe would be the first deputy director fired in FBI history, the Times reports. The Post points out that going against the recommendation for termination would be no less controversial, since some might interpret it as the Justice Department "unfairly protecting McCabe." President Trump is no fan of McCabe: In addition to suggesting donations to his wife's unsuccessful campaign for state Senate in Virginia by a political committee run by Terry McAuliffe, an ally of Hillary Clinton, are evidence of bias, per Politico, Trump has previously called for McCabe's ouster and attacked him for "racing the clock to retire with full benefits." (More FBI stories.)