Marina
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, known for aggressive pro-Trump legal activism and resistance to abortion rights, will resign on September 8, 2025, to become the FBI’s co-deputy director.
His rapid rise through politics, controversial legal positions, and partisan alignment make his new federal role especially notable—and contentious.
Political Rise & Federal Appointment
- Bailey, an Iraq War veteran, first served in the Missouri governor’s legal staff before being appointed Attorney General in 2023 and winning a full term in 2024.
- On August 18, 2025, the Trump administration named him co-deputy director of the FBI, serving alongside Dan Bongino and reporting to Director Kash Patel. His resignation from the AG post is effective September 8.
Legal Battles and Conservative Agenda
- Bailey spearheaded multiple conservative lawsuits, including efforts to block transgender care, fight student loan forgiveness, and oppose Biden administration policies.
- He filed lawsuits against Starbucks and IBM’s diversity policies, aided Elon Musk against Media Matters, and challenged New York’s Trump conviction, alleging political interference.
Abortion Opposition and Voter Backlash
- Despite Missouri voters approving abortion rights, Bailey opposed the ballot measure, arguing—without evidence—that legalizing abortion would cost the state billions in lost revenue. The Missouri Supreme Court rejected his attempt to include that claim in the official ballot summary.
- After legalization, he attempted to enforce existing laws to limit access and subpoenaed groups like the Missouri Abortion Fund, drawing criticism from reproductive rights groups.
Expectations at the FBI
- As co-deputy director, Bailey joins a bureau under scrutiny for politicization and internal conflict—particularly surrounding the handling of sensitive cases like Epstein files. His appointment alongside Dan Bongino aims to consolidate a staunchly conservative leadership.
- His critics warn he may bring state-level culture-war battles to federal law enforcement, while allies tout his commitment to “Make America Safe Again.
Summary : Andrew Bailey’s Career & New Role
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Role | Missouri Attorney General (2023–Sept 8, 2025) |
| New Role | FBI Co-Deputy Director, alongside Dan Bongino (Effective Sept 8, 2025) |
| Political Standing | Veteran AG known for litigation opposing abortion, transgender care, debt relief |
| Abortion Stance | Opposed voter-approved measure; attempted misleading cost claims |
| Legal Actions | Sued Starbucks, IBM diversity, supported Elon Musk, challenged Trump conviction |
| Controversial Moves | Subpoenaed abortion fund; aggressive conservative legal agenda |
| Strategic Significance | Adds conservative legal leadership within FBI amid Trump-era restructuring |
Andrew Bailey’s appointment as the FBI’s co-deputy director marks a pivotal shift from state to national stage.
His hardline legal stances—especially on abortion, transgender rights, and his close alignment with Donald Trump—signal that the cultural and political battles he waged in Missouri could now influence federal law enforcement policy.
As investigations and personnel reshuffles unfold, Bailey’s impact at the bureau will be closely watched—and deeply scrutinized.
