Katie Bailey chosen as White House legislative director

New role at the White House

President Donald Trump chose Katie Bailey as director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, elevating a current deputy in the office to become his chief liaison to Congress. Trump offered Bailey the position Friday, and she accepted, CBS News reported.

Trump confirmed the move in a Truth Social post Saturday night. He said Bailey would work with Congress to pass the administration’s bills.

Bailey will replace James Braid, who stepped down from the position last month. Vice President JD Vance announced Braid’s departure, and Braid’s final day is Tuesday. Trump said Braid plans to enter the private sector.

Bailey’s experience

Bailey currently holds two White House positions: special assistant to the president and deputy director of legislative affairs. Her promotion places an official already working on congressional relations in charge of the office.

Before joining the White House, Bailey served as legislative director for Mike Braun during his six-year tenure as a Republican senator from Indiana. That service ended in January 2025, when Braun became Indiana’s governor.

Timing before the midterms

Bailey is taking charge less than a month before the midterm elections. Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, with control of each chamber at stake in the election.

The legislative affairs director manages the White House’s relationship with lawmakers as the president seeks congressional action. Bailey’s transition into the position and her work with House and Senate offices will shape how the administration handles its legislative agenda during the closing weeks before the election.