WASHINGTON, October 11 — President Donald Trump offered Katie Bailey the position of director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs on Friday, October 10, 2026, and she accepted, according to multiple sources. The appointment follows the planned departure of James Braid, who announced his resignation last month and will serve through Tuesday, October 15, 2026. Bailey, who currently holds the dual roles of special assistant to the president and deputy director of legislative affairs, will assume the top legislative liaison post in the West Wing.
The move comes amid heightened political tension less than a month before the 2026 midterm elections, with Republicans holding narrow majorities in both the House and Senate. Bailey’s elevation signals a strategic effort to stabilize the administration’s congressional outreach as control of Capitol Hill remains in flux.
Her background includes six years as legislative director for Senator Mike Braun of Indiana, a role she held until his term ended in January 2025 when he won the Indiana governorship.
Vice President JD Vance had previously described Braid’s role as “one of the toughest jobs in the entire Administration,” highlighting his contributions to major legislative achievements including the largest tax cut ever passed, funding for Trump’s immigration agenda and border wall, defeating two Democratic-led government shutdowns, passage of a landmark cryptocurrency bill, and overseeing the fastest cabinet confirmation process in decades.
Vance noted Braid’s transition to the private sector, where Trump said he expects him to be “very successful.” In a Truth Social post on Saturday night, October 11, 2026, President Trump confirmed the appointment, stating Bailey “will be fantastic, and work tirelessly with Congress to pass Bills that help, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.” He also praised Braid’s service, saying he “has done a fabulous job.” CBS News has reached out to the White House for comment on the announcement, with Mark Osborne contributing to the report.
