The Federal Bureau of Investigation is marking a historic moment with the appointment of its first-ever second deputy director. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey will step into this unprecedented role alongside Dan Bongino. Both will take their orders from new FBI Director Kash Patel. This significant change comes as President Trump ramps up federal law enforcement actions amid a broader initiative to tackle crime across the nation.
Bailey shared his gratitude for his time as Attorney General in a statement posted on social media. “As I approach the final hours as your Attorney General, I am profoundly grateful to Missouri, as it has been the honor of my life to serve you,” he said. His tenure included efforts to combat student debt forgiveness and to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at major companies, including Starbucks, which he criticized for race-based hiring practices. His record includes launching an anti-human trafficking task force, addressing over 1,100 incidents across the state, and clearing a backlog of Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) kits. His efforts have drawn praise, including from fellow Republican Senator Josh Hawley, who stated, “Andrew Bailey is going to be terrific at the FBI.” Hawley described Bailey as a standout prosecutor, noting that skills honed in Missouri will now benefit the country at large.
At the FBI, Bailey’s tenure is expected to coincide with ongoing turmoil surrounding how the bureau has handled the sensitive Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Reports suggest Bongino, who has expressed frustration regarding the handling of Epstein’s case, nearly resigned over the issue. Close sources revealed that Bongino had an intense argument with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Attorney General Pam Bondi, showcasing the tension surrounding this appointment. The internal conflict intensified in July when the DOJ and FBI released a memo announcing they had no further information to share about Epstein, igniting anger in many conservative circles.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi reaffirmed her support for Bailey’s appointment, calling him a distinguished state attorney general and a veteran. She expressed confidence that his experience will prove vital as federal law enforcement reorients under Trump’s agenda. “I am thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI,” Bondi stated, emphasizing his dedication and expertise as essential assets in advancing Trump’s mission.
This internal friction, particularly surrounding the Epstein case, raises questions about the stability of leadership within the FBI. Reports indicate that Bongino’s dissatisfaction isn’t new; he was reportedly angered by what he deemed a lack of transparency regarding the Epstein files. The fallout resulted in a situation where Bongino considered stepping down from his role, marking a significant shake-up in a high-profile government agency.
As Bailey begins his new chapter at the FBI, eyes will be on how he and Bongino work together amid the existing pressures tied to the Epstein investigation. With their leadership, the FBI might shift its approach to law enforcement, driven by the growing demand for accountability and direct action in law enforcement amid rising public concern over crime and transparency in investigations.
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