It is heartening to gun owners to see that the Trump Administration, quite the opposite of the previous administration, doesn’t fill top roles in essential law enforcement agencies with rabid anti-gunners. It’s even better still when President Donald Trump appoints solid pro-Second Amendment thinkers to such positions.
That’s the case with the recent appointment of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey being appointed the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI’s) co-deputy director.
As Missouri’s AG since January 2023, Bailey has been a strong advocate for the Second Amendment, actively working to defend it against encroachments from both federal and local authorities. He has filed lawsuits against local governments for ordinances that restrict gun ownership and has challenged federal regulations he believes infringe on the rights of Missourians.
Now, his appointment to a top post in the FBI is likely to turn the head of some gun-ban advocates as even more law enforcement leaders are unashamedly pro-gun.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was thrilled to welcome Bailey to the FBI post.
“He has served as a distinguished attorney general for Missouri and is a decorated war veteran, bringing expertise and dedication to service,” Bondi told Fox News Digital. “His leadership and commitment to country will be a tremendous asset as we work together to advance President Trump’s mission. While we know this is undoubtedly a great loss for Missouri, it is a tremendous gain for America.”
At least one pro-gun group was quick to put out the word about how pleased it was with Bailey’s appointment to the post, where he’ll serve alongside Dan Bongino. Gun Owners of America (GOA) had Bailey speak at its GOALs Conference last year and said he is an excellent pick for the FBI role.
“Attorney General Andrew Bailey has consistently stood with GOA and GOF in challenging government infringements on the Second Amendment,” Tim Macy, GOA chairman, said in a press release. “We are excited to see a proven ally who shares our no compromise mission take on an active role in President Trump’s second term.”
According to GOA, in his capacity as Missouri AG, Bailey joined that organization in filing a lawsuit against Jackson County, Missouri, for that county’s ban on handgun purchases by adults under 21 and the ban on possession of certain semi-automatic rifles by adults aged 18, 19 and 20 years old. Actions like that make GOA leaders believe Bailey will be a great fit in the FBI position.
“The Biden-era FBI made it clear it was no friend to Americans—especially gun owners—as anti-gunners weaponized the agency to undermine our constitutional rights,” said Erich Platt, GOA senior vice president. “We’re confident AG Bailey will help put a stop to this
abuse and bring the leadership the FBI desperately needs.”
Bailey has announced he will step away from his AG position on September 8 to take the FBI position.
