# FBI co-deputy quits after a year in unusual role

> Andrew Bailey leaves the FBI's experimental two-person deputy director position after just twelve months, citing family reasons.
- Title: FBI co-deputy quits after a year in unusual role · NBC News
- Summary: Andrew Bailey leaves the FBI's experimental two-person deputy director position after just twelve months, citing family reasons. Andrew Bailey, FBI co-deputy…
- Keywords: andrew bailey, fbi, kash patel, co-deputy director, trump administration, missouri attorney general, politics, news, co-deputy, quits, year, unusual
- Source: NBC News — https://nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/andrew-bailey-joined-fbi-co-deputy-position-leave-bureau-rcna600270
- Author: Ryan J. Reilly
- Published: 2026-09-28T15:16:04.598+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: andrew bailey, fbi, kash patel, co-deputy director, trump administration, missouri attorney general, politics, news
## FBI co-deputy director steps down
Andrew Bailey, who joined the FBI as co-deputy director in September twenty twenty-five, is leaving after just one year.
## The unusual two-person structure
Bailey was hired to work alongside then-Deputy Director Dan Bongino in a new co-deputy position created by the Trump administration.
## Bailey cites family reasons
An internal FBI email said Bailey was leaving for family reasons. He had been Missouri's attorney general before joining the FBI.
## Bailey thanks Trump and Patel
Bailey wrote on social media: "Under President Trump's leadership, we have delivered historic results in our mission to Make America Safe Again."

> Under President Trump's leadership, we have delivered historic results in our mission to Make America Safe Again.
## Bongino also left the role
Bongino, a conservative podcaster and former Secret Service member, left after under a year to return to podcasting.
## Raia replaces Bongino as deputy
Chris Raia, a career FBI special agent, replaced Bongino. His traditional background better fits the critical number two position.
## Key takeaway

Andrew Bailey, FBI co-deputy director, is stepping down after one year in the unconventional role created under the Trump administration.