Andrew Bailey, who holds the title of FBI co-deputy director, is leaving the bureau after about a year in the role, according to NBC News, The New York Times, Reuters, the Washington Examiner, RedState and Independent Journal Review.
Bailey joined the FBI in September 2025 in a newly created position, working alongside then-Deputy Director Dan Bongino as part of a three-person leadership team at the top of the bureau, according to NBC News and The New York Times.
Bailey, a former Republican attorney general of Missouri and an ally of President Donald Trump, had been serving under FBI Director Kash Patel, according to the Washington Examiner and RedState.
According to the Washington Examiner, Bailey told colleagues Monday that he was departing to spend more time with his family. Independent Journal Review similarly reported that Bailey cited family reasons for his October 2 resignation, while also reporting, without confirmation from Bailey, that sources described meeting exclusions and demotions linked to an official named Miller.
RedState reported that Bailey praised Patel's
reform
efforts in announcing his departure.
How each side covered it
Left
- NBC News and The New York Times reported Bailey joined the FBI in September 2025 in a newly created co-deputy position.
- Both outlets noted Bailey worked alongside then-Deputy Director Dan Bongino as part of a three-person leadership team.
- The New York Times emphasized that Bailey's tenure lasted barely a year.
“Andrew Bailey, who joined FBI in unusual ‘co-deputy’ position, to leave bureau” — NBC News
Center
- Reuters reported simply that FBI deputy chief Bailey is resigning, without further detail.
“FBI deputy chief Bailey to resign” — Reuters
Right
- The Washington Examiner and RedState highlighted Bailey's work under Director Kash Patel and his background as a Trump ally and former Missouri attorney general.
- The Washington Examiner reported Bailey cited wanting to spend more time with family.
- RedState reported Bailey praised Patel's reform efforts in his departure.
- Independent Journal Review reported unconfirmed claims of meeting exclusions and demotions tied to an official named Miller.
“FBI co-deputy director resigns one year into working under Patel” — Washington Examiner
Questions readers ask
Who is Andrew Bailey?
Andrew Bailey is the FBI's co-deputy director, a newly created position he joined in September 2025, and a former Republican attorney general of Missouri, according to NBC News and the Washington Examiner.
Why is Andrew Bailey leaving the FBI?
According to the Washington Examiner and Independent Journal Review, Bailey told colleagues he was leaving to spend more time with his family. Independent Journal Review also reported unconfirmed claims from sources about meeting exclusions and demotions.
What was Bailey's role at the FBI?
Bailey served as co-deputy director, working alongside then-Deputy Director Dan Bongino as part of a three-person leadership team at the top of the FBI, according to NBC News and The New York Times.
How long did Bailey serve in the role?
Bailey served roughly one year, having joined in September 2025 and departing around October 2, according to NBC News, The New York Times and Independent Journal Review.
What happens next at the FBI?
The sources do not specify who will succeed Bailey or how the leadership team will be restructured following his departure.
Sources · 26 outlet reports
- ABC NewsLeft-leaningFBI co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey resigns
- Associated PressLeft-leaningAndrew Bailey, an FBI deputy director, says he's leaving the post after just over a year in the job
- CBS NewsLeft-leaningTop FBI official Andrew Bailey, who was once widely seen as Patel successor, resigns
- CNNLeft-leaningOne of Kash Patel’s deputies resigns from the FBI
- NBC NewsLeft-leaningAndrew Bailey, who joined FBI in unusual ‘co-deputy’ position, to leave bureau
- PoliticoLeft-leaningAndrew Bailey, co-deputy director of the FBI, is departing his job
- The GuardianLeft-leaningFBI co-deputy director Andrew Bailey steps down amid agency shake-up
- The New RepublicLeft-leaningFBI Deputy Chief Overseeing Election “Investigations” Suddenly Quits
- The New York TimesLeft-leaningAndrew Bailey, a Deputy Director at the F.B.I., Leaves His Job
- The Washington PostLeft-leaningAndrew Bailey, No. 2 at FBI, resigns in latest shake-up at bureau
- AxiosCenterKash Patel's FBI loses another top official
- ForbesCenterKash Patel’s FBI Co-Deputy Director Quits After Barely A Year
- NewsNationCenterFBI deputy director announces he’s leaving
- ReutersCenterFBI deputy chief Bailey to resign
- South China Morning PostCenterFBI deputy chief Andrew Bailey to resign after just over a year with agency
- The HillCenterFBI deputy director announces he’s leaving post
- Fox NewsRight-leaningFBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey resigns after year in role
- Independent Journal ReviewRight-leaningFBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey to Leave After One Year
- Just the NewsRight-leaningFBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey resigns from agency
- New York PostRight-leaningFBI deputy director Andrew Bailey, who oversaw 2020 election integrity probe, resigns from bureau
- NewsmaxRight-leaningFBI Deputy Director Bailey Leaving Trump Administration
- RedStateRight-leaningFBI Deputy Director Steps Down From Unique Role While Praising Kash Patel's 'Reform'
- The Daily CallerRight-leaningKash Patel’s Right-Hand Man Leaves FBI
- The Daily WireRight-leaningTop FBI Official, Conservative Favorite To Leave Agency After Year On Job
- The Epoch TimesRight-leaningFBI Co-Deputy Director to Step Down
- Washington ExaminerRight-leaningFBI co-deputy director resigns one year into working under Patel