President Donald Trump has approved the appointment of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as co-deputy director of the FBI, a move that follows internal conflicts over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein's files.
According to a Daily Mail report, the White House pushed for this new position to support the existing Deputy Director Dan Bongino amid high workloads. Insiders noted that Bailey's role addresses the need for more leadership in cracking down on crime under FBI Director Kash Patel.
The decision comes after Bongino threatened to resign following Attorney General Pam Bondi's choice not to release Epstein files, which sparked anger among MAGA supporters over perceived lack of transparency. Reports indicated tensions between Bondi and FBI leaders on the files' review, with some alleging a cover-up.
White House Defends Staffing Shift
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the addition of Bailey is due to the extensive efforts required for law enforcement priorities. "When you're actually working and enforcing law and order, you need all hands on deck," Leavitt said.
Administration officials emphasized that Trump seeks prosecutions of criminals, deportations of illegals, and accountability for corrupt politicians. They described Bailey as providing credible and experienced support to Bondi and Patel in achieving these goals.
The Department of Justice referred to Leavitt's statements when asked about the FBI's new structure. This response highlights the administration's focus on bolstering resources rather than addressing rumors of Bongino's potential exit.
Epstein Saga Sparks Internal Rift
Bongino, known for promoting theories about Epstein's client list, did not appear at work after Bondi and Trump stated no such list exists. This absence fueled reports of his resignation threat, which caused unrest among Trump's loyalists and turned some against the president.
Insiders claimed Trump was privately angry at Bongino's public dissent as a hand-picked appointee. Despite this, Bongino returned to the office the following week, arriving later than usual amid uncertainty about his position.
White House and FBI sources indicated Bongino believes significant tasks remain in his role as co-deputy. His decision to stay reflects a commitment to ongoing work despite the pressure from the Epstein controversy.
Bailey's Background Boosts FBI Efforts
Bailey, a decorated war veteran, launched an anti-human trafficking task force in Missouri and handled over 1,100 related cases. He also cleared a backlog of Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence kits, leading to higher prosecution rates for such crimes.
During his tenure as Missouri's attorney general, Bailey's office achieved a 133 percent increase in trial court criminal prosecutions. These accomplishments made him a strong fit for the FBI position, according to officials.
"I am proud to announce I have accepted the role of Co-Deputy Director of the FBI," Bailey wrote on X. "I extend my thanks to [Trump] and [Attorney General Pam Bondi] for the opportunity to serve in the mission to Make America Safe Again," he added, pledging to protect America and uphold the Constitution.
Patel's Leadership Yields Arrest Surge
Since Patel assumed control, the FBI has conducted 19,000 arrests across the nation, doubling the total from all of 2024. Among these, at least 270 involved human traffickers and 1,600 related to violent crimes against children.
Additionally, 1,000 arrests targeted individuals linked to foreign terrorist organizations, including three from the Top 10 Most Wanted list. This progress occurs despite mass departures at the agency and scrutiny over the Epstein files.
"I am thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI," Bondi said. "He has served as a distinguished state attorney general and is a decorated war veteran, bringing expertise and dedication to service," she continued, noting his value in advancing Trump's mission.
