WASHINGTON — Another high-ranking official is departing the Federal Bureau of Investigation, marking the latest shift in a turbulent leadership era under FBI Director Kash Patel. Andrew Bailey, who served as the bureau’s “co-deputy director,” announced Monday that he is stepping down from his post after just one year on the job.
Bailey, the former attorney general of Missouri, joined the FBI in September 2025 as part of an unconventional leadership restructuring that created two deputy director roles. Sources familiar with the matter stated that Bailey’s departure is motivated by family reasons, a sentiment he echoed in a formal announcement posted to social media on Monday morning.
“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. I am 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.”
Bailey’s resignation continues a pattern of short tenures within the upper echelons of the bureau under the current administration. He was originally brought on to work alongside Dan Bongino, a conservative podcaster and former Secret Service member who was appointed to the other co-deputy slot. Bongino also resigned after less than a year to return to his media career. Following Bongino’s exit, the bureau appointed career special agent Chris Raia to the post, reverting to the traditional practice of placing a veteran agent in the agency’s critical No. 2 position.
The FBI has directed all inquiries regarding Bailey’s departure to his social media statement.
The exit comes at a fraught time for Director Kash Patel, who has faced intense scrutiny and political pressure since taking the helm of the bureau. Patel is currently involved in a high-profile $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic following allegations regarding his professional conduct and internal management. Furthermore, Patel has become a lightning rod in Washington, engaging in a series of heated, high-stakes confrontations with Democratic lawmakers during congressional oversight hearings regarding his policy decisions and overall leadership approach.
Bailey’s departure, first reported by MS NOW, leaves the bureau’s internal leadership structure in flux once again. While the “co-deputy” model was intended to bring a new perspective to the agency’s management, the rapid turnover of those appointed to these roles raises questions about the long-term stability of Patel’s command team. As Patel continues his effort to reshape the bureau, he now faces the task of filling yet another vacancy at the very top of the organization.
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