Story perspectives

Andrew Bailey to resign as FBI co-deputy director Oct. 2, 2026

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 10:12 PM UTC · How we work

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Strained Director Relationship

Former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey will resign as FBI co-deputy director on Oct. 2, 2026.
His departure adds to FBI exits, sparking doubts about the bureau’s capacity for trust.
Bailey said he is stepping down to spend time with his family in Missouri.
He oversaw election investigations, including a search warrant at Fulton County, Georgia election office.
Sources said Bailey’s relationship with Director Patel was strained, with periods of no communication.

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Trump Thanks Resigns

Former Missouri attorney general Andrew Bailey will resign as co-deputy director of the FBI, effective Oct. 2, 2026.
President Donald Trump was thanked by Bailey and Kash Patel as Bailey invoked the “Make America Safe Again” mission and noted reforms and crime-reduction gains.
Bailey announced resignation on X, saying he was leaving to return to Missouri family.
His departure followed shifts, including demotion of counterterrorism supervisors linked to Katie Miller probe.

History

Historical Context

Andrew McCabe joined the FBI in 1996, rose to deputy director in February 2016, and served as acting director after President Trump dismissed James Comey in May 2017. He announced his resignation on January 29 2018 and was fired by Attorney General Jeff Sessions on March 16 2018, ending a 22-year career and raising concerns about the bureau’s independence.

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Strained Director Relationship

Former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey will resign as FBI co-deputy director on Oct. 2, 2026.
His departure adds to FBI exits, sparking doubts about the bureau’s capacity for trust.
Bailey said he is stepping down to spend time with his family in Missouri.
He oversaw election investigations, including a search warrant at Fulton County, Georgia election office.
Sources said Bailey’s relationship with Director Patel was strained, with periods of no communication.

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