FBI gets 2 co-deputy directors: Missouri AG tapped to serve alongside Bongino
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FBI director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi in Washington, D.C., in May. Photo: Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images
Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI director Kash Patel have appointed Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to serve as bureau co-deputy director alongside Dan Bongino, Fox News Digital first reported on Monday and Axios can confirm.
Between the lines: The new position is seen by insiders as a prelude to the eventual departure of Bongino, who clashed with Bondi amid the fallout over the release of the Epstein files, per Axios' Marc Caputo.
What they're saying: Bondi said in a statement that Bailey included in a post on the Missouri attorney general's office website that she's "thrilled" to welcome him 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," 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."
Representatives for the FBI initially declined to comment on the matter, but shared a statement from Patel via email later Monday evening saying the bureau "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" Trump again.
- "Andrew Bailey will be an integral part of this important mission and I look forward continued fight to save America together," Patel added.
Bailey announced that he had tendered his resignation as state attorney general in a post to X that Bongino reposted.
- The post did not immediately address his appointment, but he later confirmed on X that he had accepted the role.
Zoom in: Bailey added in a statement posted to the Missouri attorney general's office website that he extended his "deepest gratitude to Trump and U.S. Attorney General Bondi for the privilege to join in their stated mission to Make America Safe Again."
- Bongino responded to Bailey's appointment by saying on X: "Welcome. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸"
- Representatives for the DOJ did not immediately respond to Axios' Monday evening request for comment.
Go deeper: How the DOJ's Epstein memo led to a Dan Bongino White House blowup
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
