FBI Leadership in Flux as Bondi, Patel Appoint Co-Deputy Director Amid Epstein File Fallout

A historic and highly unusual leadership shift is unfolding inside the Federal Bureau of Investigation as Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have jointly announced the appointment of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI. This unprecedented move comes amid internal discord and mounting speculation over the future of the current deputy director, Dan Bongino.

The decision, confirmed to Fox News Digital, marks the first time in the FBI’s history that the agency will have two individuals sharing the role of deputy director — a position traditionally responsible for overseeing the bureau’s daily operations and internal management.

The timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows across Washington. It comes just weeks after reports surfaced of a serious internal rift between Bongino and Attorney General Bondi, reportedly stemming from disagreements about the handling of sensitive documents connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. CNN sources say that Bongino, who was appointed earlier this year, began distancing himself from key FBI operations in July following the fallout from that dispute.

In her official statement, Bondi praised Bailey’s qualifications and his history of public service.

“I am proud to welcome Andrew Bailey to this vital role,” she said. “He brings not only his experience as a state attorney general but also a background in military service. His commitment to justice, national security, and the Constitution makes him a powerful addition to our leadership team as we continue advancing President Trump’s mission for law and order.”

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also weighed in, posting online: “Andrew Bailey fought the swamp in Missouri. Now he’s bringing that same energy to Washington.”

While the responsibilities of the deputy director have always been clearly defined, it remains uncertain how duties will be divided between Bongino and Bailey under the new arrangement. No official explanation has been provided for the shared leadership structure, leaving insiders speculating whether the dual role is a temporary fix or a quiet reshuffle in progress.

Bailey’s entrance into the FBI’s leadership comes after he was previously considered for the top job. According to reports, he interviewed at Mar-a-Lago late last year as a possible candidate for FBI Director. However, former President Donald Trump reportedly chose Kash Patel instead, citing a desire for a more aggressive “legal bulldog” to lead the bureau.

Bongino’s once-prominent role has appeared to wane in recent months. Insiders have suggested that his clash with Bondi over the Epstein files may have cost him the confidence of senior leadership. While no formal disciplinary action or dismissal has been announced, political observers note that the appointment of Bailey could be a sign that Bongino’s influence within the bureau is diminishing.

As news of Bailey’s appointment broke, Bongino offered a restrained public reaction, posting a brief “Welcome” alongside three American flag emojis on social media — a message interpreted by some as diplomatically distant.

Bailey, meanwhile, has formally resigned from his position as Missouri’s Attorney General, calling the opportunity to serve at the federal level an “incredible honor.”

“My time serving the people of Missouri has been the greatest privilege of my career,” Bailey said in a statement. “I’m proud of what we accomplished in defending our state’s freedoms and laws. I now look forward to continuing that work on a national scale, and I’m grateful to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for this trust.”

Despite the official framing of the new structure as a cooperative effort, not everyone is convinced. MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow said during her Tuesday night broadcast that Bongino’s role may be effectively over.

“According to reporting tonight, Bongino has been essentially sidelined,” she said. “Another person has been appointed to share his job title after a reported falling-out with AG Bondi and the White House over sensitive documents related to Epstein. This doesn’t look like a promotion — it looks like a quiet phase-out.”

Democratic strategist Max Burns echoed that sentiment, stating, “The administration appears to be managing Bongino out of the FBI. This dual deputy setup is a way to shift power without making headlines.”

As of now, neither the White House nor the Department of Justice has issued a formal statement clarifying Bongino’s status or the long-term vision for FBI leadership. However, the appointment of Bailey has clearly altered the internal power dynamics — and it may signal further changes ahead as the agency continues to navigate political pressures and controversies from within.