For News: Rumors swirl around FBI director’s potential ouster

Former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, once considered President Trump’s top pick to lead the FBI, will begin a new role at the agency on September 15 alongside Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino. Bailey’s appointment has raised eyebrows within the FBI, coming at a precarious time for current FBI Director Kash Patel, whose leadership is reportedly under increasing scrutiny.

Sources from multiple federal offices, speaking anonymously to Fox News, suggest that discussions about Patel’s potential removal are gaining momentum, Caliber.Az reports.

"The White House, Bondi, Blanche have no confidence in Kash," one insider revealed, referring to Attorney General Pam Bondi and her deputy Todd Blanche. "Pam in particular cannot stand him. Blanche either."

However, Bondi and Blanche denied these claims, and White House officials have denied any plans to oust Patel.

Despite these denials, whispers of Patel’s possible reassignment are circulating, with several Trump allies and critics of Patel suggesting contingency plans are being considered. There are even speculations about Bailey being groomed to replace Patel, with some claiming Bailey made it clear that he would not leave his position as Missouri Attorney General, or his gubernatorial ambitions, to simply serve as Patel’s deputy.

Bailey, under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, would be eligible to step into the FBI Director role after 90 days, should it become vacant.

While some of Patel's handling of high-profile cases has raised concerns within the White House, particularly his public feud with Attorney General Bondi over the administration's approach to the Jeffrey Epstein case, there is no official call for action against him. One White House official noted, however, that Patel’s public handling of the manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s assassin was less than ideal.

"Total amateur hour," said one federal official of the incident. 

On the same day Kirk was shot, a separate issue unfolded. Three former high-ranking FBI officials filed a lawsuit accusing Patel, Bondi, and their agencies of unlawful firings in what they described as a political purge directed by the DOJ and the White House. This lawsuit is another challenge to Patel’s leadership.

In response to rumors about his position, Bailey issued a statement to Fox News, asserting, "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 the FBI and Department of Justice as we work together to keep our nation safe."

Patel’s tenure has not been without controversy, but President Trump continues to defend him. "I’m very proud of the FBI. Kash – and everyone else – they have done a great job," Trump told Fox News Digital in relation with Charlie Kirk's asasination on September 13. 

By Sabina Mammadli