Andrew Bailey, the FBI’s co-deputy director and former attorney general of Missouri, is leaving the bureau after roughly a year on the job, he confirmed Monday on social media. Two people familiar with the matter told NBC News that an internal FBI email cited family reasons for his departure.
Bailey joined the FBI in September 2025 when the bureau created the unusual “co-deputy director” role for him to work alongside then-Deputy Director Dan Bongino. His exit continues a pattern of turnover in the FBI’s top ranks under the current administration.
Bailey’s Statement on Stepping Down
The FBI referred requests for comment to Bailey’s own social media post, in which he credited the administration’s leadership for what he called historic progress. Under President Trump’s leadership, we have delivered historic results in our mission to Make America Safe Again,” Bailey wrote.
“With great pride in what we have accomplished, I am announcing that I am stepping down to return to my family in Missouri,” he added. Bailey also expressed confidence in the bureau’s direction, writing that he is “confident Director Patel will continue to reform the FBI, combat violent crime, defend the homeland, ensure strong organizational accountability, and restore public trust in this institution of excellence.” He thanked President Donald Trump, Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity.
Before joining the FBI, Bailey had served as Missouri’s attorney general, resigning that post to take the co-deputy role. According to Andrew Bailey FBI departure, MS NOW first reported his planned departure.
The Co-Deputy Structure and Bongino’s Earlier Exit
The co-deputy arrangement was created when conservative podcaster and former Secret Service member Dan Bongino was brought into the bureau. Bongino left after just under a year to return to podcasting, and the nontraditional dual structure remained in place rather than being dissolved after his exit.
Bongino was subsequently replaced by Chris Raia, a career FBI special agent whose extensive institutional background aligned more closely with the traditional expectation that the bureau’s No. 2 position be held by someone with deep knowledge of the organization.
What Comes Next for the FBI’s Leadership
Bailey’s departure leaves the FBI’s leadership structure in flux once again. Director Kash Patel, who is separately engaged in a $250 million lawsuit against The Atlantic over coverage of his tenure at the bureau, has also faced heated exchanges with Democratic members of Congress about his leadership.
It is not yet clear whether the FBI will fill Bailey’s position, restructure leadership at the deputy level, or allow Raia to serve as the sole deputy director going forward. No announcement of a successor has been made.
