What’s new: Headline USA reports that Andrew Bailey announced Monday he is leaving his position as one of the FBI’s deputy directors after just over a year and plans to return to Missouri to be with his family. The outlet attributes its piece to reporting adapted from the Associated Press.
An unusual leadership setup
According to Headline USA, Bailey was named a co–deputy director in August 2025 to serve alongside Dan Bongino during a period of “high tensions” between FBI and Justice Department leaders over handling the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. The outlet notes this was unusual because, for years, the FBI typically had only a single deputy director. Headline USA further reports that veteran agent Christopher Raia was added as another deputy director in January to serve under Director Kash Patel, and that Bailey remained in his role after Bongino announced his departure.
His announcement and credited reforms
Per Headline USA, Bailey disclosed his resignation in a post on X, thanking former President Donald Trump, Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Director Kash Patel for “the opportunity to serve in the FBI.” The outlet quotes Bailey as writing: “With great pride in what we have accomplished, I am announcing that I am stepping down to return to my family in Missouri. 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.”
Headline USA also cites a post from Patel crediting Bailey for “dedicated service” and for “instituting critical reforms.”
Public footprint during his tenure
Headline USA reports that Bailey kept a low public profile but was present in January when agents executed a search warrant at the main election facility in Fulton County, Georgia, as part of an FBI election fraud investigation.
Attribution and verification note
This article summarizes claims and quotations attributed by Headline USA to Andrew Bailey and to Kash Patel, with Headline USA stating the piece was adapted from the Associated Press. We have not independently verified the asserted roles, timelines, or posts.
