FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey Resigns After One Year

Key points

• Andrew Bailey confirmed his resignation from the FBI on social media on September 28, 2026.
• Bailey joined the bureau in September 2025 as 'co-deputy director,' a newly created position.
• An internal FBI email attributed his departure to family reasons.
• Bailey previously served as Missouri's attorney general before resigning in August 2025.
• His departure follows the earlier exit of Dan Bongino, who left the same role after less than a year.

Background

The FBI has recently faced significant internal turbulence, including the demotion of counterterrorism leaders over a dispute regarding the investigation of threats to Stephen Miller's wife, Katie Miller. Additionally, the bureau is currently investigating a data breach of its jobs website by the hacking group ShinyHunters. These events highlight a period of leadership instability and operational challenges under Director Kash Patel.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and KMBC both report that Bailey is leaving for family reasons, citing an internal email and his social media post. Both outlets note the unusual nature of the 'co-deputy director' position, which was created to accommodate Dan Bongino. While NBC News emphasizes the broader context of Patel's leadership and recent conflicts with Congress, KMBC focuses more on Bailey's background as Missouri's former attorney general and his replacement by Catherine Hanaway. Both sources agree that Bailey's tenure lasted approximately one year, mirroring the short stint of his predecessor, Dan Bongino.

Why it matters

The departure of another high-profile appointee underscores the volatility within the FBI's leadership structure under the current administration. The creation and subsequent dissolution of the 'co-deputy director' role highlight a departure from traditional bureaucratic norms, potentially affecting the bureau's operational stability and public trust.

What to watch

The FBI will need to determine the future of the 'co-deputy director' position or revert to the traditional deputy director structure. Chris Raia, who replaced Dan Bongino, will likely assume full responsibility for the deputy director role. The administration may also need to address the ongoing internal disputes and security breaches that have characterized the bureau's recent history.