Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to Join Federal Bureau of Investigation

Andrew Bailey, the Attorney General of Missouri and a vocal supporter of former President Trump, has announced his resignation to accept a senior leadership role at the FBI.

His last day in the Missouri attorney general’s office will be September 8. Following his departure, he will serve as co-deputy director of the FBI, sharing the position with Dan Bongino, who is currently embroiled in internal conflicts related to the Epstein Files controversy.

Bailey expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “My commitment to public service continues, now at the national level.”

The deputy director at the FBI holds one of the most influential roles in the bureau, second only to the director.

Governor Mike Kehoe is expected to name an interim replacement for Bailey later this week, who will oversee the office until a full-term appointment is made through an upcoming election.

Bailey’s tenure as attorney general was marked by several high-profile legal actions, including numerous lawsuits against the Biden administration over issues like student loan policies, environmental regulations, and transgender rights. He also sued New York over the Trump hush money case, alleging interference in the 2024 election.

One of his last acts in office involved defending Missouri’s strict anti-abortion laws, despite a voter-approved constitutional amendment affirming reproductive rights.

Earlier in the year, his office successfully claimed $24.5 billion in damages from China for hoarding PPE during COVID-19, a case initiated by his predecessor, Eric Schmitt.

Bailey was elected to a full term last November after replacing Schmitt, who left for Congress.

The move coincides with ongoing reforms within the FBI under Director Kash Patel, who has been restructuring the agency by removing senior officials and scrutinizing agents involved in January 6 investigations.