Unprecedented Shake-Up at FBI: Missouri AG Andrew Bailey Appointed Co-Deputy Director Amid Internal Rift

In a move that has stunned Washington and sent shockwaves through the intelligence community, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel announced the appointment of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI — a historic first for the bureau.

The appointment comes at a time of heightened internal friction, particularly involving current Deputy Director Dan Bongino, who has reportedly been at odds with top leadership over the handling of the controversial Jeffrey Epstein case files. Bongino’s relationship with Bondi has reportedly deteriorated significantly since last month, sparking speculation about his future at the agency.

Fox News Digital broke the news early this week, confirming that Bailey will now serve alongside Bongino in the second-highest leadership role within the FBI. The dual-deputy arrangement is without precedent and raises new questions about the agency’s internal structure and leadership dynamics.

“I’m honored to welcome Andrew Bailey into this critical role,” said Attorney General Bondi in a statement to Fox News Digital. “He has an exceptional track record as a state attorney general, and his service as a combat veteran speaks volumes about his commitment to this nation. His perspective, drive, and sense of duty will help advance President Trump’s mission to restore law and order across the country.”

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche also voiced support for the new appointment, writing on social media: “Thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as our new FBI Co-Deputy Director. As Missouri’s Attorney General, he took on the swamp, fought weaponized government, and defended the Constitution.”

Traditionally, the role of FBI Deputy Director is held by a single individual responsible for overseeing the agency’s daily operations. It remains unclear how responsibilities will be divided between Bailey and Bongino under this new arrangement, and officials have yet to elaborate on how the shared leadership model will function in practice.

Bailey’s name had previously circulated as a potential pick for FBI Director during early transition discussions after Trump’s re-election. He even met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in late 2024. However, Trump reportedly opted for someone with what he called more “aggressive legal instincts,” leading to the eventual appointment of Kash Patel to the top role.

Bailey formally announced his resignation as Missouri Attorney General shortly after news of his FBI appointment broke. In his farewell message, he reflected on his time in office with gratitude.

“Serving the people of Missouri has been the greatest professional honor of my life,” Bailey said in a written statement. “We stood strong for the Constitution, fought for the rule of law, and protected individual freedoms. I now look forward to serving our nation on a new front — one just as vital.”

He also thanked President Trump and Attorney General Bondi directly, saying, “I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me to serve in this capacity. I share their commitment to making America safe again, and I’m ready to get to work.”

Meanwhile, Bongino’s reaction was notably restrained. On his social media account, he simply posted, “Welcome 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸,” offering no further comment.

Behind the scenes, however, the appointment has only fueled speculation about Bongino’s future at the bureau. His reduced presence in recent weeks, particularly following the Epstein file controversy, has not gone unnoticed. According to insiders, Bongino became increasingly isolated after a reported clash with Bondi over the management and possible release of sensitive materials related to the Epstein investigation — a subject that has long remained shrouded in secrecy.

MSNBC host Rachel Maddow addressed the development during her Tuesday broadcast, saying, “The Fox reporting tonight is that Dan Bongino is effectively out. He’s had someone else assigned to share his job title after clashing with both the White House and AG Bondi over efforts to suppress damaging material in the Epstein files.”

Democratic strategist Max Burns added, “The White House seems to be slowly phasing Bongino out of the FBI. This latest appointment sends a clear message about their dissatisfaction.”

Despite the growing speculation, the White House has not issued any official statement indicating that Bongino is being removed from his position.

With Bailey stepping into this new role, the FBI enters a new chapter — one marked by internal tensions, shifting alliances, and an unusual leadership structure. Whether this unconventional pairing of deputies leads to smoother operations or deeper division remains to be seen.