Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel are expanding the FBI’s leadership by appointing Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as Co-Deputy Director, joining Dan Bongino in the role. Bailey, a decorated war veteran and experienced prosecutor, has built a reputation for being tough on crime and strongly supportive of law enforcement.

Bondi praised Bailey for his “dedication to service,” citing his accomplishments as a state attorney general. Patel said Bailey’s leadership would further President Trump’s law and order agenda, while Bailey himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying he is honored to join the effort to “Make America Safe Again.”

During his tenure in Missouri, Bailey launched an anti-human trafficking task force that handled over 1,100 cases, cleared a backlog of sexual assault forensic kits, and boosted criminal prosecutions by 133%. He also defended police departments in court, called for accountability from public officials, and received endorsements from major law enforcement groups.

The FBI, under Patel’s leadership in 2025, has already made 19,000 arrests — double the previous year’s total. These include 1,600 individuals charged with violent crimes against children, 270 human traffickers, and over 1,000 suspects linked to foreign terrorist organizations. The bureau also rescued 4,000 child victims and seized large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

A senior Trump administration official stated that Bailey will play a crucial role in reducing crime, deporting illegal immigrants, and prosecuting corrupt politicians. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Trump’s leadership team as “the best in the business” to help America become the safest country in the world.