FBI Co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey Announces Resignation

Another senior name is leaving the FBI. Andrew Bailey, the bureau's co-deputy director, announced Monday that he is stepping down to return to his family in Missouri, with his departure reportedly effective October 2. The former Missouri attorney general joined last September, when the co-deputy role was created to sit alongside Dan Bongino. Bongino has since left; Chris Raia now shares the job.

In his post, Bailey thanked President Trump and said he is confident Director Kash Patel will keep reforming the bureau. Patel praised his contribution to reforms. Bailey had recently led election investigations inside the FBI. One report suggests frustration behind the exit, but a source disputed any link to recent agent demotions, and Bailey has cited only family reasons. The FBI has not said whether it will name a replacement. It is the latest in a run of departures under Patel, so expect questions about leadership stability.

Trump Contradicts His Own Ambassador Over Arms Sales to China

An awkward moment unfolded in the Oval Office on Monday. Reporters asked Trump about a claim from David Perdue, the U.S. ambassador to China, who said on Fox News that Trump once asked Xi Jinping whether he would like to buy American weapons. Trump seemed puzzled, said he never heard of that, and guessed Perdue might have meant Taiwan. He added that China would probably like American equipment because it is better.

The State Department moved quickly to clear things up, saying U.S. law bars arms sales to China and there is no offer or plan for one. Perdue never said when the exchange supposedly happened or how Xi responded, and Beijing has not confirmed anything. It matters because Taiwan arms sales are a delicate issue, and a large package reportedly remains on hold during talks with Beijing. Expect analysts to keep asking why the messaging did not line up.

Trump Announces a $15 Billion Steel Plant for Iowa

Big factory news from the Oval Office. President Trump announced on Monday that Mesabi Metallics plans a $15 billion steel plant in southeast Iowa, which the White House calls the largest in American history. Production should begin around 2030, with officials talking about as much as 10 million tons a year and roughly 1,750 permanent jobs.

The company also just opened a $2.5 billion iron ore mine in Minnesota to feed the mill, so the pitch is steel that is mined, melted and made at home. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the plant will not get direct federal support, though the Export-Import Bank did finance the mine. He insisted the deal is done, even though Iowa lawmakers may be asked to consider incentives. The timing is hard to ignore, with midterms weeks away and several Iowa Republicans in tight races. Supporters cheer the jobs; skeptics will study the fine print.

Trump Administration Loosens Fuel Economy Rules for New Cars

Car shoppers may feel this one down the road. On Monday the Transportation Department finalized fuel economy standards that ask far less of automakers than the rules written under President Biden. The new target is a fleet average of about 34.9 miles per gallon for cars and light trucks by model year 2031, compared with roughly 50.4 under the old plan.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the change will make vehicles cheaper, and officials estimate it could trim around $1,300 off a new car's sticker price. Critics see it differently. They argue drivers will spend more on gasoline and that the environment will pay a real cost. The administration has called the earlier rules a backdoor electric vehicle mandate, so this rollback fits its wider retreat from EV incentives. The timing feels awkward, too, since oil prices jumped the same day. Expect plenty of debate over who really saves money.