Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have appointed Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as co-deputy director of the FBI following a recent dispute involving Deputy Director Dan Bongino. This move, believed to be unprecedented within the bureau, marks a significant development in FBI leadership.

In a joint statement on Monday, Bondi and Patel revealed their decision to bring in Bailey to assume the co-deputy director role, aiming to address the internal conflict that emerged within the agency. The appointment of Bailey alongside Bongino is expected to bring a new dynamic to the FBI’s leadership structure.

The inclusion of Missouri Attorney General Bailey in this high-ranking position underscores the efforts to stabilize the FBI’s leadership team amid recent tensions. While the specifics of the rift between Bongino and other officials remain undisclosed, the appointment of a new co-deputy director signals a strategic move to ensure effective functioning within the agency.

Responding to the appointment, a source close to the FBI stated, “The addition of Missouri AG Bailey to the deputy director role reflects a commitment to enhancing collaboration and efficiency within the bureau.” The source highlighted the importance of cohesive leadership in maintaining the FBI’s operational effectiveness.

As the transition takes place, the FBI community anticipates observing how the co-deputy director structure with Bongino and Bailey at the helm will impact the agency’s operations and internal dynamics. This development comes at a crucial juncture for the FBI, underscoring the significance of cohesive leadership in upholding the bureau’s mission and responsibilities.