Bailey joins the FBI after Bongino nearly resigned from office following the justice department’s handling of the Epstein files.

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.

In what appears to be a first for the FBI, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel announced Monday that Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey will serve as co-deputy director of the agency after a rift arose last month with Deputy Director Dan Bongino.