Dan Bongino Faces Uncertain Future Following Shock Announcement Of New FBI Deputy
On Monday, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel welcomed Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as a co-deputy director of the FBI, a surprise decision that signals an uncertain future for Bongino, who will now share that role.
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'[Bailey] has served as a distinguished state attorney general and is a decorated war veteran, bringing expertise and dedication to service,' Bondi said in a statement about the appointment. 'His leadership and commitment to country will be a tremendous asset as we work together to advance President Trump's mission.'
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Bongino has reportedly been on thin ice at the agency since he clashed with Bondi earlier this year about the Justice Department's handling of the files related to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During a heated exchange in July, Bondi reportedly accused Bongino of leaking stories to the media suggesting that the FBI wasn't pleased with the case's closure. Bongino then reportedly threatened to quit and said that it was either him or her.
Speculation has flared since about whether Bongino would be long for his role, though he and Bailey are set to keep on serving alongside each other in this new arrangement.
'The new position is seen by insiders as a prelude to the eventual departure of Bongino,' Axios reported.
The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Bailey being named to the job, which he announced in a post on X, confused many agents who hadn't heard of the FBI having a co-deputy director position, The New York Times reports.
In addition to potentially threatening Bongino's position, the move adds to the administration's effort to ramp up prosecutions and arrests, per Fox News Digital. The role, which includes overseeing daily operations at the FBI, has also typically been held by someone with more experience at the agency — something that neither Bailey nor Bongino have.
'I extend my deepest gratitude to President Trump and U.S. Attorney General Bondi for the privilege to join in their stated mission to Make America Safe Again,' Bailey said in a statement.
As Missouri attorney general, Bailey was known for bringing cases that advanced Trump's agenda including attacking Starbucks over diversity, equity and inclusion policies and limiting gender-affirming care.
Previously, he also defended the St. Louis Police Department in civil litigation, publicly elevated claims that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump, and fought to keep abortion restrictions in place.
'Welcome,' Bongino wrote in a post on X, followed by three American flag emojis.
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