FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey announced his resignation on Monday, effective October 2, citing family reasons in an email to agents and a post on X. The resignation follows approximately one year in the role under FBI Director Kash Patel.
Bailey’s departure comes amid reported tensions with Patel, including claims that Bailey was excluded from key meetings and kept at arm’s length during his tenure. Patel, in a post on X, thanked Bailey for his contributions, stating he had helped institute critical reforms.
Bailey, a former Republican Attorney General of Missouri and ally of President Donald Trump, was elevated to co-deputy director—a position previously held solely by career staffers. The role was split between Bailey and Chris Raia, who oversees the FBI’s New York City Field Office.
Reported tensions with leadership
Sources cited in coverage described a troubled relationship between Bailey and Patel, with one source stating Patel instructed staff to refer to himself as director, Bailey as co-deputy director, and Dan Bongino (who left the FBI in January) as deputy director. Bailey was reportedly cut out of meetings he should have attended, with sources alleging he frequently flagged issues as unconstitutional.
Bailey’s resignation follows the demotion of two counterterrorism agents at the Washington Field Office after White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller and his wife, Katie Miller, raised concerns about the FBI’s handling of alleged threats against them. While the Millers did not request firings, FBI officials reassigned personnel in response to their complaints.
Bailey’s tenure marked the first time the co-deputy director role was split between two individuals, reflecting broader shifts in leadership under Patel’s direction.