President Trump has selected Katie Bailey as the new director of the Office of Legislative Affairs, with Bailey accepting the position on Friday.
Bailey currently serves as special assistant to the president and deputy director of legislative affairs, where she has focused on Senate relations.
In her existing role, Bailey played a key part in securing cabinet confirmations for Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
She replaces James Braid, whom Trump described as his “longest tenured” legislative affairs director, who is departing for the private sector.
Prior to her White House role, Bailey served as legislative director for Sen. Mike Braun, giving her deep ties to Capitol Hill.
Trump announced the appointment on Truth Social, citing Bailey’s congressional experience and declaring she “will be fantastic, and work tirelessly with Congress to pass Bills that help, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”
Bailey steps into the role at a particularly high-stakes moment, with Election Day less than a month away and control of both chambers potentially shifting to Democrats.
Her appointment places her at the center of ongoing spending negotiations and legislative deadlines that the administration must navigate in the months ahead.
The promotion comes just one day after Trump named Katie Zacharia as his new White House press secretary, marking a notable reshuffling of key communications and congressional liaison roles.
Together, the two appointments signal a broader effort by the Trump administration to shore up its political infrastructure heading into a critical electoral period.
Bailey’s Senate background and her work securing confirmations suggest the White House intends to prioritize upper-chamber relationships as legislative battles over the budget and other priorities intensify.
Her ascent through the legislative affairs office reflects a deliberate institutional investment in staff with direct Hill experience and established relationships across both chambers of Congress.
