Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey reflected on his tenure as the state’s 44th attorney general, summarizing his office’s actions and achievements since he assumed the role in January 2023. Bailey will leave the position to become Deputy Director of the FBI.

“I promised Missourians that I would restore the rule of law and fight for their freedoms,” said Attorney General Bailey. “This Office has stood firmly for the Constitution, for Missouri values, and for justice. Together, we built the Attorney General’s Office into one of the most stable and effective offices in decades, and I am proud of what we accomplished.”

Bailey highlighted a series of legal victories during his time in office. These included challenging federal policies such as blocking President Biden’s student loan “SAVE” plan and terminating a federal loan guarantee for Grain Belt Express, which he said saved taxpayers billions. The office also won a $24 billion judgment against the Chinese Communist Party related to COVID-19.

“These victories represent Missouri’s leadership on the national stage. From blocking unlawful federal overreach to securing justice for historic wrongs, Missouri has been the tip of the spear in defending liberty.”

The attorney general emphasized defending constitutional rights through lawsuits against various federal agencies and corporations. His office secured a court order blocking several federal entities from violating First Amendment rights in Missouri v. Biden.

“Missouri took the lead to stop government and cooperate censorship, fight racist and sexist DEI overreach, and defend religious liberty to ensure that every Missourian’s voice can be heard without government suppression.”

During his term, Bailey initiated investigations into corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at public institutions.

Bailey noted efforts to protect children by shutting down a St. Louis transgender clinic accused of performing procedures on minors without parental consent. The office defended Missouri’s pro-life laws in court and sued organizations such as Planned Parenthood regarding issues related to abortion drugs and interstate transport of minors.

“Our children deserve protection from experimental procedures, from dangerous drugs, and from radical ideologies. Missouri set the national standard in defending children and families.”

He also underscored support for Second Amendment rights by filing lawsuits against new gun regulations introduced by federal agencies or local governments.

“The right to keep and bear arms is fundamental. The Constitution exists to protect us from the government and clearly states ‘the rights shall not be infringed,’ which is why I do not believe that gun restrictions are legal under our Constitution and fought every day for the Second Amendment rights of Missourians.”

Bailey reported actions taken to support agriculture by opposing what he described as burdensome or unconstitutional environmental regulations affecting farmers.

“Missouri’s farmers are the backbone of our state. Our Office fought federal overreach and stood up for agriculture to protect property rights and keep our rural communities strong.”

The attorney general outlined work supporting law enforcement through removal proceedings against officials accused of misconduct using quo warranto actions—a process that led to ousting several public officials including Kim Gardner, former St. Louis Circuit Attorney.

“Law and order start at home. We restored integrity to public offices, secured justice for victims, and supported law enforcement with the tools to keep Missouri safe.”

According to Bailey's summary, criminal prosecutions increased significantly during his administration with convictions secured in several high-profile cases dating back decades.

Consumer protection was another area where Bailey said his office had impact—handling more than 155,000 consumer complaints between 2023–2024 and securing over $465 million through settlements or restitution during that period.

He also pointed out national recognition received by Missouri's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit from the U.S. Office of Inspector General for its efforts combating fraud in 2023.

Other notable financial recoveries included settlements totaling hundreds of millions with major corporations like Google ($700 million), Indivior Inc ($102.5 million), Blackbaud ($49.5 million), Tempoe ($35 million), as well as a $24 billion judgment against China related to COVID-19.

Bailey credited improvements within his office workforce—including nearly 60 percent reduction in attorney turnover—and an increase in staffing levels approaching those last seen during Missouri's Nixon administration era.

“At the Attorney General’s Office, we didn’t just fill positions; we built a legacy. Today, this Office is the gold standard for public service, developing top-tier legal talent and delivering unmatched results for Missourians,” said Attorney General Bailey.

He closed by reiterating his commitment: “It has been the honor of my life to serve as Missouri’s 44th Attorney General,” said Attorney General Bailey. “When Missouri calls, I will always answer. We defended the Constitution, enforced the law, defended the state, supported our counties, and trained the next generation. I know this Office will continue to do great work for the people of Missouri, and together we have built a legacy of strength and justice that will endure long after my tenure.”