FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey Resigns

Andrew Bailey, the Co-Deputy Director of the FBI, announced his resignation on Monday after a year in the role. Bailey, who previously served as the Attorney General of Missouri, was appointed by President Donald Trump in August 2025 and officially took office on September 15, 2025. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family in Missouri as the main reason for his decision to leave Washington, D.C.

“I want to thank President Trump, @AGToddBlanche, and @FBIDirectorKash for the opportunity to serve in the FBI. Under President Trump’s leadership, we have delivered historic results in our mission to Make America Safe Again. With great pride in what we have accomplished, I am announcing that I am stepping down to return to my family in Missouri. I am confident Director Patel will continue to reform the FBI, combat violent crime, defend the homeland, ensure strong organizational accountability, and restore public trust in this institution of excellence,” Bailey posted on X.

During his year in the role, Bailey dealt with a unique structure in the FBI’s leadership that involved two co-deputy directors. Initially, he worked alongside Dan Bongino, who left in January 2026. After briefly serving as the only deputy director, Bailey returned to a co-deputy framework when Christopher Raia joined later that month.

Bailey’s time at the FBI was marked by significant policy initiatives and institutional changes, particularly during investigations related to election security and internal adjustments under Director Kash Patel.

Following Bailey’s announcement, Patel praised his efforts and contributions, expressing appreciation for the reforms he helped implement during his tenure.

“I want to thank Andrew Bailey for his dedicated service to return the FBI to its core mission and fulfill President Trump’s promise to make America safe again. Although Andrew is leaving the FBI in order to return to his family in Missouri, his fantastic contributions instituting critical reforms which resulted in our historic success will live on. Andrew’s leadership at the FBI will be missed but we are grateful he answered the call to serve! Thanks Andrew for your tremendous dedication to the mission of this FBI,” Patel wrote on X.

Other political figures, including U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), also acknowledged Bailey’s commitment to public service and his efforts for both Missouri and the nation.