Red State Attorney General Named FBI Co-Deputy Director Alongside Dan Bongino

The Justice Department announced Monday that Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey will step into the Trump administration as co-deputy director of the FBI, a move that reshapes bureau leadership amid reported internal disputes.

Bailey, who stepped down from his role as attorney general effective September 8, will hold his newly-created position alongside current FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino and serve under FBI Director Kash Patel.

“I am thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI. He has served as a distinguished attorney general for Missouri and is a decorated war veteran, bringing expertise and dedication to service,” Attorney General Pam Bondi said. “His leadership and commitment to country will be a tremendous asset as we work together to advance President Trump’s mission. While we know this is undoubtedly a great loss for Missouri, it is a tremendous gain for America.”

Bongino, who has reportedly clashed with Bondi over her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, welcomed Bailey to the FBI in a social media post. After the reported tension, President Donald Trump said that Bongino was in “good shape” and that he had complete faith in Bondi.

Welcome. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 https://t.co/nui5E7nWAt

— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) August 18, 2025

Bailey, who has served as Missouri’s attorney general since 2023, reflected on his role in a post on X.

“To Missouri, thank you. 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,” Bailey wrote. “Together, we have defended the rule of law and safeguarded our freedoms. I am forever grateful.”

Bailey will not need to be confirmed by the Senate to take the role. Missouri Republican Governor Mike Kehoe will appoint Bailey’s replacement in the coming weeks. 

During his time as Missouri’s attorney general, Bailey challenged the Biden administration and filed a variety of culture war suits. For example, he sued multiple companies like International Business Machines (IBM) and Starbucks over diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. He also launched an investigation into the Pediatric Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and sued Planned Parenthood over its promotion of the abortion drug mifepristone. Bailey also sued to stop the student loan cancellation plan pushed by the Biden administration and sued the Department of Homeland Security for data on whether illegal immigrants were being relocated to Missouri.