Full Breakdown
Andrew Bailey Resigns as FBI Co-Deputy Director, Citing Family Reasons
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Resignation Announcement
On Monday, former Missouri attorney general Andrew Bailey announced he will step down as co-deputy director of the FBI, effective early October. His tenure began in September 2025.
Background & Context
Bailey joined the FBI in September 2025 as part of a newly created “co-deputy director” role, sharing the position with Dan Bongino. After Bongino left in January, Christopher Raia filled the second slot, leaving Bailey as the remaining co-deputy under Director Kash Patel. Prior to the FBI, Bailey served as Missouri’s attorney general from 2023 to 2025 and is a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump.
Data & Statistics
During his year at the FBI, Bailey highlighted several achievements:
- Added 55 agents to child-protection efforts.
- Reported a 20 % reduction in homicides and over 5,000 violent offenders arrested.
- Seized 3,258 kg of fentanyl and arrested more than 4,200 foreign-terrorist organization members.
- Processed 1.8 million DNA samples, eliminating the backlog.
The FBI employs roughly 38,000 staff, including 11,000 armed agents.
Official Statements & Responses
Bailey’s social-media post expressed confidence that Patel would maintain the bureau’s reform agenda and thanked President Trump and Attorney General Todd Blanche for the opportunity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was 100% about my need to get home and raise my four small children,” — Andrew Bailey
- “I am confident Director [Kash 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,” — Andrew Bailey
Timeline
- September 2025 – Bailey appointed co-deputy director.
- January 2026 – Dan Bongino departs; Christopher Raia assumes the second deputy role.
- April 20–May 1 2026 – Operation VIPER in St. Louis results in 91 arrests and significant seizures.
- Monday (early October 2026) – Bailey announces resignation, effective early October.
What’s Next
Bailey indicated he may pursue another public-service role, though no position has been identified. The FBI has not said whether it will fill the co-deputy director vacancy or restructure senior leadership.