Politics
BREAKING: FBI Rocked By Sudden Resignation
One of FBI Director Kash Patel’s top deputies is abruptly leaving the bureau after roughly a year on the job, delivering another shake-up at an agency already undergoing major changes.
Andrew Bailey, the former Missouri attorney general who has served as one of the FBI’s co-deputy directors, announced Monday that he is stepping down and returning home to his family.
His final day at the bureau will be Friday, Oct. 2.
‘With great pride in what we have accomplished, I am announcing that I am stepping down to return to my family in Missouri,’ the co-deputy FBI director said.
Bailey joined the FBI in 2025 after leaving the Missouri attorney general’s office and became part of an unusual leadership setup under Patel, serving alongside another co-deputy director.
His departure comes as the bureau continues facing intense scrutiny over its leadership, internal shake-ups and longstanding concerns about political bias inside the country’s premier federal law enforcement agency.
I want to thank President Trump, @AGToddBlanche, and @FBIDirectorKash for the opportunity to serve in the FBI. Under President Trump’s leadership, we have delivered historic results in our mission to Make America Safe Again. With great pride in what we have accomplished, I am…
— Andrew Bailey (@AndrewBaileyMO) September 28, 2026
Bailey, a Republican who had previously served as Missouri’s top law enforcement official, publicly backed Patel’s efforts to overhaul the FBI and said he remained confident in the director’s leadership.
‘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,’ he added.
Bailey also thanked President Donald Trump, Attorney General Todd Blanche and Patel for the opportunity to serve, according to reports on his departure.
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During his time at the bureau, Bailey became a visible figure in several law enforcement operations and frequently appeared alongside federal and state officials while promoting the FBI’s renewed emphasis on violent crime.
He also participated in high-profile investigations and enforcement efforts as Patel’s leadership team sought to redirect bureau resources and rebuild confidence among conservatives who had grown deeply skeptical of the agency.
The FBI has gone through sweeping personnel and organizational changes since Kash Patel took over as director in February 2025.
Patel has repeatedly argued that the bureau must move away from politicized enforcement and return its focus to traditional law enforcement priorities, including violent crime, counterterrorism and threats to national security.
Bailey’s resignation now leaves another opening near the top of the bureau less than two years into Patel’s tenure.
Bailey said his decision was driven by a desire to return to Missouri and spend more time with his family.
There was no indication in his public announcement that he was forced out.
Despite the sudden departure, Bailey praised the FBI’s work during his tenure and expressed confidence that Patel would continue pursuing reforms inside the agency after he leaves Washington.
