Red State Attorney General Named FBI Co-Deputy Director Alongside Dan Bongino
The Justice Department announced Monday that Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey will join the FBI as co-deputy director, a newly-created position designed to bolster bureau leadership under the Trump administration. Bailey will share the role with current Deputy Director Dan Bongino and report directly to FBI Director Kash Patel.
Bailey formally resigned as Missouri’s attorney general on September 8 to take the federal post. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the move, calling Bailey a “distinguished attorney general” and a “decorated war veteran” whose expertise would help carry out President Donald Trump’s mission to restore integrity and accountability within federal law enforcement.
Bongino, who has been at the center of reported internal disputes with Bondi regarding the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, welcomed Bailey publicly, signaling cooperation despite past friction. President Trump has defended both figures, emphasizing his confidence in their leadership.
Welcome. ?????? https://t.co/nui5E7nWAt
— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) August 18, 2025
Bailey reflected on his departure from Missouri with a farewell message, thanking residents for allowing him to defend the rule of law and safeguard freedoms. He will not require Senate confirmation to assume the FBI position. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe is expected to appoint Bailey’s successor in the coming weeks.
As attorney general, Bailey became known for taking aggressive legal action against the Biden administration, major corporations, and progressive causes. He spearheaded lawsuits targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion policies at companies like IBM and Starbucks, launched an investigation into the Pediatric Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and pursued litigation against Planned Parenthood over its promotion of chemical abortions. Bailey also challenged Biden’s student loan cancellation scheme and sought information from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the relocation of illegal immigrants to Missouri.
His appointment to the FBI’s top ranks marks a major reshaping of the bureau’s leadership, aligning it more closely with Trump’s agenda and signaling a new era of internal accountability and external toughness on politically charged issues.
