The Trump administration named Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as co-deputy director of the FBI to serve alongside Deputy Director Dan Bongino. Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel first confirmed the move to Fox News on Monday.
Bondi and Patel’s statements
“I am thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI,” Bondi said in a statement to Fox News. “He has served as a distinguished state attorney general and is a decorated war veteran, bringing expertise and dedication to service. His leadership and commitment to country will be a tremendous asset as we work together to advance President Trump’s mission.”
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In his statement, Patel told Fox News that the FBI “will always bring the greatest talent this country has to offer in order to accomplish the goals set forth when an overwhelming majority of American people elected President Donald J. Trump again.”
Bailey’s statements
Bailey thanked the people of Missouri on social media as he announced his resignation as the state’s attorney general to accept the new role.
“My tenure as Attorney General has been the honor of my professional career, but what has made it truly meaningful has been the opportunity to serve my home state,” he wrote. In a separate statement, Bailey also thanked the Trump administration for “the privilege to join in their stated mission to Make America Safe Again.”
Bongino reacted to the news with a social media post that said “Welcome” along with three American flag emojis.
Bongino’s reported discontent over Epstein files
It’s unclear how Bongino and Bailey will split duties at the FBI. Traditionally, the deputy director manages the bureau’s daily operations, according to CNN.
The appointment follows Bongino’s reported discontent with the administration’s review of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Bongino was selected to serve as the FBI’s sole deputy director earlier this year. He reportedly considered leaving the bureau and failed to report to work at one point after a disagreement with Bondi over her handling of the Epstein files.
CBS News reported that Trump remained confident in Bongino, amid discontent from other parts of the administration, according to a CNN source familiar with the situation. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields refuted the alleged rift between Bongino and the U.S. Department of Justice last month.
“Any attempt to sow division within this team is baseless and distracts from the real progress being made in restoring public safety and pursuing justice for all,” Fields said in July.
