In Appointing a Babysitter, Todd Blanche Concedes Dan Bongino Can't Match Andrew McCabe's Competence - emptywheel
Briefly

Andrew Bailey has been appointed as FBI Co-Deputy Director, announced by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Bailey, Missouri's far right wing Attorney General, is tasked with addressing criticisms surrounding the FBI, especially regarding its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. After failing to secure a nomination for a top Justice Department position earlier, Bailey's current role does not require Senate approval. The move coincides with heightened scrutiny as the bureau is accused of covering up details related to Epstein's alleged sex trafficking network.
"Thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as our new FBI Co-Deputy Director," Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said on social media Monday evening. "As Missouri's Attorney General, he took on the swamp, fought weaponized government and defended the Constitution. Now he is bringing that fight to DOJ."
Multiple news outlets reported that Bailey was considered for a top Justice Department or FBI position at the beginning of the administration, but the president opted not to nominate him.
Bailey arrives at the FBI at a time when the bureau is facing intense criticism from Trump supporters over its handling of the sex trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Before their positions at the FBI, Patel and Bongino had spread conspiracy theories about the case, suggesting that the FBI during the Biden administration covered up key details of the investigation to protect powerful people who may have participated in sex crimes alongside Epstein.
The move comes just as the FBI announced it will miss the deadline for turning over Epstein files to Congress, the kind of moment that might require better cover-up skills than releasing an obviously altered video as "proof" that Epstein killed himself.
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