In a stunning turn of events, the FBI finds itself embroiled in controversy as Director Kash Patel faces mounting criticism over his leadership, even as President Donald Trump voices support.
According to Fox News, amid internal tensions, legal challenges, and public missteps, Patel's tenure is under intense scrutiny while new co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey steps into a power-sharing role alongside Dan Bongino.
Earlier this year, Patel's performance as FBI Director began drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. Sources from multiple federal offices, speaking anonymously, reported dissatisfaction with his handling of key issues. Among the concerns were communication errors and strained relationships within the administration.
On Monday, September 15, 2025, Andrew Bailey, former Missouri Attorney General, was sworn in as co-Deputy FBI Director alongside Dan Bongino. This unprecedented power-sharing role has raised eyebrows, with the White House offering no clear explanation for its creation. Two sources within the FBI noted confusion among leadership about Bailey’s appointment and its implications.
Bailey’s new position comes at a difficult moment for Patel, whose tenure has been marked by growing unrest. Rumors of contingency plans for his potential removal have circulated among Trump allies and Patel critics, though the White House has denied any such discussions. A senior White House official also pointed to Patel’s mishandling of communications during the manhunt for the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s assassination as a significant misstep.
The situation escalated earlier this week when Patel made a social media post on Wednesday claiming the suspect in Charlie Kirk’s shooting was in custody. Local authorities in Utah, however, contradicted this, stating the killer remained at large, surprising many involved in the case. The FBI later clarified that two individuals were questioned and released, with the search still ongoing at that time.
On Thursday, a press conference in Orem, Utah, was delayed due to “rapid developments” as Patel arrived from New York to appear alongside Governor Spencer Cox. Multiple sources confirmed Patel was instructed not to speak at the late evening briefing, where no suspect had been identified yet. His unusual field appearance drew criticism from current and former agents, who called it disruptive to ongoing fieldwork.
By Friday, authorities announced the capture of a 22-year-old Utah man suspected of Kirk’s murder, identified as Robinson by a source close to Patel. Governor Cox led the press update, with concerns cited about Patel’s potential impact on the prosecution if he spoke publicly. An anonymous source remarked, “Letting Kash talk much could f--k up the prosecution.”
Even before the Kirk case unfolded, Patel’s leadership was under scrutiny, compounded by a lawsuit filed on the day of the shooting. Three former high-ranking FBI officials—Brian Driscoll, Steven Jensen, and Spencer Evans—accused Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi of wrongfully terminating them in a politically motivated purge. The lawsuit claims Patel misused presidential authority in their dismissal, alleging he signed letters that overstepped his legal bounds.
The legal filing further asserts that Patel told Driscoll the firings were necessary because “the FBI tried to put the President in jail and he hasn’t forgotten it.” Analysts suggest this case could escalate, potentially requiring testimony from President Trump due to Patel’s alleged statements. The issue is expected to be raised during Patel’s upcoming testimony before House and Senate committees next week.
Amid the controversies, tensions within the administration peaked on Thursday and Friday but eased after the suspect’s capture. An anonymous source close to Patel told Fox, “Yes, tensions were incredibly high yesterday and the day before, but things took a turn for the better today with the capture of Robinson.” Attorney General Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche issued a joint statement to Fox, saying, “We work with Director Patel every single day and fully support his leadership at the FBI.”
Despite the criticism, President Trump expressed confidence in Patel, telling Fox News Digital on Saturday, “I’m very proud of the FBI. Kash – and everyone else – they have done a great job.” Patel also planned a visit to Trump in Bedminster over the weekend as negative reports about his performance continued to surface. Meanwhile, a senior White House official urged Patel to reduce his social media activity, citing the seriousness of his role.
Patel has sought advice from Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on mending ties with Bondi, with whom he has clashed publicly over the Jeffrey Epstein case. Co-Deputy Director Dan Bongino’s position also appears precarious, with reports of him threatening to resign amid fallout from the same feud. Bongino, however, praised the FBI’s efforts, including Operation Summer Heat targeting violent crime, during a recent phone call.
Andrew Bailey, in his new role, could be eligible to step into the FBI Director position under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 if it becomes vacant after 90 days of service. Bailey emphasized his commitment, stating to Fox, “Any suggestion that I was brought in to replace anyone in leadership at the FBI or spin my appointment into a sign of division, is simply false - I am honored to serve.” Yet, speculation persists about whether his appointment signals deeper changes within the agency’s hierarchy.