Bailey’s appointment comes after former director James Braid departed the role ahead of the November midterm elections, leaving the position vacant for several months.
President Trump announced the selection on Truth Social, praising Bailey’s track record as deputy director in securing key Cabinet confirmations for the administration.
Trump credited Bailey with helping secure the confirmations of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, and Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling.
“After previously working on Capitol Hill, Katie understands how the Executive and Legislative Branches of Government can most effectively work together to achieve Great Success for the American People,” Trump wrote.
Trump paid tribute to his outgoing director while making clear Bailey was ready to step into the demanding role immediately and hit the ground running.
“Katie will take the place of James Braid, my longest tenured Legislative Affairs Director, who has done a fabulous job, and is now going into the private sector, where he will be very successful,” the president wrote.
Trump closed his post with characteristic enthusiasm, expressing full confidence in Bailey’s ability to drive his legislative agenda through Congress in the months ahead.
“I know Katie will be fantastic, and work tirelessly with Congress to pass Bills that help, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE,” the president’s post concludes. “Good luck Katie!”
Bailey’s Capitol Hill background is expected to prove a significant asset as the administration pushes its legislative priorities through a closely divided Congress.
Her promotion from deputy director to the top role signals continuity in the White House’s congressional outreach strategy at a critical moment for Trump’s second-term agenda.
The announcement follows Trump’s separate decision to name conservative commentator Katie Zacharia as the new White House press secretary, continuing a string of high-profile personnel moves.
Braid’s departure into the private sector marks the end of a long tenure that spanned some of the most contentious congressional battles of the Trump presidency.
With Bailey now at the helm, the White House’s legislative affairs operation will face immediate pressure to advance the president’s policy goals before the next electoral cycle begins.
