The Trump administration is reportedly weighing potential changes to FBI leadership, as concerns mount over recent controversies and management decisions at the bureau, according to sources familiar with internal discussions.

Current FBI Director Kash Patel has faced mounting scrutiny in recent weeks over questions about resource allocation, including security arrangements and travel practices. Additional tensions have emerged between bureau leadership and other administration officials over coordination and communication matters.

Sources indicate the president and senior advisers have discussed the possibility of leadership changes, with Andrew Bailey—currently serving as co-deputy director—being considered as a potential successor. Bailey joined the FBI leadership in an unusual dual deputy director role this past September.

However, the White House has publicly reaffirmed its support for current leadership. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stated that the administration has “assembled the most talented and impressive Administration in history” and specifically praised Patel as “a critical member of the President’s team” who is “working tirelessly to restore integrity to the FBI.”

Trump himself has offered public endorsements of Patel on multiple occasions. During Tuesday’s traditional Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony, the president commended Patel for “doing a great job,” drawing applause from attendees. In a recent Fox News interview, Trump expressed “a lot of confidence” in both Patel and the Department of Justice.

Behind the scenes, tensions have reportedly emerged between FBI leadership and Attorney General Pam Bondi over coordination issues. Concerns have been raised about premature public statements regarding ongoing investigations and the impact of continuing media attention on operational matters.

Recent news coverage has focused on questions about official resource usage, including travel arrangements and security detail assignments that have drawn criticism from oversight advocates.

Bailey, who previously served as Missouri’s attorney general, has reportedly earned respect within FBI ranks for his measured approach to leadership. Under federal law, he could potentially assume an acting director role after December 15, following the 90-day service requirement, and could serve for 210 days without Senate confirmation under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

The current deputy director position is held by Dan Bongino, a conservative media personality and former Secret Service agent who had no prior FBI experience before his January appointment—a background that initially raised concerns among some Republicans.

As the situation continues to develop, the administration faces questions about balancing leadership stability with addressing internal concerns at one of the nation’s premier law enforcement agencies.