FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey Resigns Amid Tensions with Kash Patel
Andrew Bailey, the FBI co-deputy director appointed by Donald Trump, is resigning effective October 2, 2026. Bailey, a former Missouri attorney general, cited family reasons for his departure after serving for approximately one year. His exit follows a period of reported friction with FBI Director Kash Patel and occurs amid broader leadership instability at the bureau.
Key points
- Andrew Bailey announced his resignation from the FBI on Monday, with the departure taking effect on October 2, 2026.
- Bailey, a former Missouri attorney general, was appointed to the unusual co-deputy director role in September 2025 alongside Dan Bongino.
- Bailey oversaw election-related investigations, including the 2020 Georgia ballot search in Fulton County.
- Bailey was previously considered a potential successor to FBI Director Kash Patel but was not selected for the top role.
- The resignation follows the departure of Dan Bongino in January 2026, leaving Bailey to serve alongside Christopher Raia.
Background
Bailey’s appointment was part of a significant restructuring of the FBI’s leadership under the Trump administration. The co-deputy director role was created to split the position between two individuals, a departure from the historical norm of a single career deputy director. Bailey’s tenure coincided with a broader shake-up at the FBI, including the departure of career agents and the appointment of political appointees like Dan Bongino. His oversight of election investigations, particularly the 2020 Georgia ballot search, placed him at the center of politically sensitive cases.
How outlets are covering it
The Guardian and CNN reported that Bailey cited family reasons for his resignation, while also noting that his relationship with Director Kash Patel was contentious. CBS News highlighted that Bailey was widely viewed as a potential successor to Patel but was ultimately passed over. The New York Times, as cited by the Guardian, suggested that Bailey and Patel had a strained relationship, with Patel excluding Bailey from meetings. Patel, in response, thanked Bailey for his service and praised his contributions to the FBI’s reforms. The FBI itself did not provide additional comment, referring inquiries to Bailey’s social media post.
Why it matters
Bailey’s resignation signals ongoing instability within the FBI’s leadership under the Trump administration. His departure raises questions about the future of the co-deputy director model and the bureau’s approach to politically sensitive investigations, including those related to elections. The friction between Bailey and Patel suggests deeper tensions within the administration’s handling of the FBI’s role in political matters.
What to watch
It is unclear whether the Trump administration will appoint a new co-deputy director to replace Bailey or return to the traditional model of a single deputy director. The FBI’s leadership structure and its approach to election-related investigations may face further scrutiny in the coming months.
- FBI co-deputy director Andrew Bailey steps down amid agency shake-up The Guardian
- Andrew Bailey, a Deputy Director at the F.B.I., Leaves His Job The New York Times
- Andrew Bailey, FBI co-deputy director, resigns Yahoo
- Top FBI official Andrew Bailey, who was once widely seen as Patel successor, resigns CBS News
- One of Kash Patel’s deputies resigns from the FBI CNN
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