Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Andrew Bailey (politician)

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Andrew Bailey (politician).

Andrew Bailey is an American attorney and politician. A Republican, he served as the Missouri Attorney General from 2023 to 2025. Currently, since September 2025, he holds the position of Co-Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2021: Return of Contributions by Eric Schmitt

In 2021, former attorney general Eric Schmitt returned contributions from Torch Electronics due to conflict of interest concerns regarding a lawsuit related to unregulated slot machines.

March 2023: Bailey condemns Trump indictment

In March 2023, Andrew Bailey condemned a grand jury in New York after it indicted Donald Trump on charges of falsifying business records. Bailey, along with other Missouri Republicans, blamed George Soros for the decision, leading to criticism from Jewish leaders in Missouri for echoing antisemitic tropes.

April 2023: Emergency Rule on Gender-Affirming Care

In April 2023, Andrew Bailey released an emergency rule requiring healthcare providers to screen individuals before providing gender-affirming health care to transgender people, believed to be the first such ban in the nation applying to both adults and children.

April 2023: Children's Mercy sues Bailey

In April 2023, Children's Mercy Hospital sued Andrew Bailey in state court. The hospital argued that Bailey's demands for documents and testimony related to trans care exceeded his investigative authority and that releasing the information would violate medical privacy laws.

April 27, 2023: Effective Date of Gender-Affirming Care Rule

On April 27, 2023, the emergency rule requiring healthcare providers to screen individuals before providing gender-affirming health care to transgender people would have taken effect.

May 2023: Withdrawal of rule restricting transgender care

In May 2023, Andrew Bailey withdrew the rule restricting care for transgender youth, following the passage of a bill in the Missouri legislature that also restricted such care. The rule had been challenged in court by the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal, service providers, and community members.

July 2023: Supreme Court Ruling on Abortion Initiative

In July 2023, the Supreme Court of Missouri ruled that Andrew Bailey improperly attempted to hold up a ballot initiative to restore abortion rights and that he had no authority to change the projected cost of the initiative.

2023: Fraud Investigation into Media Matters for America

In 2023, Andrew Bailey opened a fraud investigation into the left-leaning Media Matters for America, alleging fraud in the organization's reports on advertisement placement next to pro-Nazi content on Twitter.

March 2024: Investigation into Hazelwood East High School

In March 2024, following an after-school fight at Hazelwood East High School, Andrew Bailey's office announced an investigation into the school's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, drawing criticism for factual errors and politicization of the incident.

April 2024: Claim Filed Against Bailey for Investigation

In April 2024, the Hazelwood school district filed a claim charging Andrew Bailey with violating state rules by initiating a "frivolous" investigation based on inaccurate claims and politicizing the case.

June 2024: Bailey announces lawsuit against New York

In June 2024, Andrew Bailey announced his intention to file a lawsuit against the State of New York in the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to "stay the gag order and any sentence" in New York's criminal case against Donald Trump until after the 2024 presidential election. He argued that the gag and sentencing order would interfere with Missouri citizens' ability to obtain election-related information and with the state's electors' ability to perform their duties.

June 2024: Sentence Overturned in Sandra Hemme Case

In June 2024, Sandra Hemme's life sentence was overturned after she served 43 years; however, Andrew Bailey's office attempted to circumvent the order to release her, leading to criticism and the threat of contempt charges.

July 2024: Intention to Appeal Christopher Dunn Ruling

In July 2024, Andrew Bailey's office announced intentions to appeal and block Judge Jason Sengheiser's ruling of innocence in the case of Christopher Dunn, who served 33 years in state prison.

July 2024: Court rules against Bailey regarding medical information

In July 2024, a St. Louis Circuit Court judge ruled that Andrew Bailey could not receive unredacted private medical information of minors treated at the Washington University Transgender Clinic.

September 24, 2024: Execution of Marcellus Williams

On September 24, 2024, Marcellus "Khaliifah" Williams was executed despite efforts to halt the execution, after Andrew Bailey petitioned to block a plea agreement that would have reduced his death sentence.

2024: Representation in Defamation Lawsuit

In 2024, Andrew Bailey agreed to have his office represent senators Rick Brattin, Denny Hoskins, and Nick Schroer in a defamation lawsuit related to the Kansas City parade shooting, after they posted misinformation on social media.

2024: Lawsuit Against Planned Parenthood

In 2024, Andrew Bailey sued Planned Parenthood, accusing it of trafficking minors across state lines for abortions using a Project Veritas video as evidence, which Planned Parenthood claims is heavily doctored.

2024: Lawsuit Seeking to Reinstate FDA Restrictions on Mifepristone

In 2024, Andrew Bailey unsuccessfully joined Kansas and Idaho attorneys general in a lawsuit seeking to reinstate FDA restrictions from 2000 on the medication mifepristone, used for chemical abortions.

2024: Contributions from Torch Electronics and Warrenton Oil

In 2024, lawyers under Andrew Bailey's attorney general's office withdrew from a lawsuit related to unregulated slot machines; the plaintiffs, Torch Electronics and Warrenton Oil, contributed to Bailey's election campaign.

February 2025: Lawsuit Against Starbucks

In February 2025, Andrew Bailey filed a lawsuit against Starbucks alleging employment discrimination against white and male workers.

2025: Lawsuit to Repeal Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

In 2025, Andrew Bailey joined 16 other state attorneys general in a lawsuit aimed at repealing provisions in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, particularly those related to gender dysphoria and integration mandates.

2025: Subpoena of Missouri Abortion Fund

In 2025, Andrew Bailey's office subpoenaed Missouri Abortion Fund in the case against Planned Parenthood, despite the organization having no involvement, leading to accusations of abuse of government power.