Andrew Bailey, the FBI co-deputy director, announced his resignation on Monday, effective October 2. He cited family reasons for his decision. In a message to agents and a post on X, Bailey's resignation was noted by multiple sources. Kash Patel, the FBI Director, expressed gratitude for Bailey's contributions to critical reforms in his post on X.
Bailey previously served as the Missouri attorney general and was appointed to help alleviate tensions between former Attorney General Pam Bondi and former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino. His appointment marked the first time the co-deputy director position was shared between two individuals.
Reports indicate that Bailey's relationship with Patel was strained, with sources stating that Bailey was often excluded from meetings and that Patel instructed staff to refer to him as director, to Bongino as deputy director, and to Bailey as co-deputy director. This dynamic reportedly led to Bailey being kept at a distance from key discussions, particularly as he raised concerns about constitutional issues.
Bongino left the FBI in January, and Chris Raia remains as another co-deputy director after previously serving as the assistant director in charge of the bureau's New York City Field Office.
Bailey's resignation follows the demotion of two agents overseeing counterterrorism at the Washington Field Office, which occurred after complaints from White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller and his wife, Katie Miller, regarding the FBI's investigation into alleged threats against them. While the Millers did not request firings, the FBI chose to reassign personnel involved in the matter. Last fall, the Millers relocated to military housing after protests against Trump administration policies occurred outside their home. NBC News was the first to report on Bailey's resignation. The White House did not provide further comment beyond referring to Patel's post on X.