Katie Bailey has been named as the White House’s legislative affairs director, stepping into a critical role shaping the administration’s congressional strategy.
President Trump announced the appointment on Truth Social, praising Bailey’s performance in her previous role as deputy director of the office.
Trump wrote that Bailey “has already delivered strong results” in helping secure confirmations of several key cabinet members and administration officials.
Those confirmed with Bailey’s assistance include Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, and Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling.
Trump credited her Capitol Hill background as a key qualification, writing that she “understands how the Executive and Legislative Branches of Government can most effectively work together to achieve Great Success for the American People.”
Bailey replaces James Braid, whom Trump called “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.”
Before her White House role, Bailey served as legislative director for Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana, giving her deep familiarity with Senate operations and Republican priorities.
She also served as special assistant to the president from September 2025 to June 2026, building relationships across both the executive and legislative branches throughout that period.
Braid offered a warm public endorsement on social media, calling Bailey “a consummate pro, an extraordinary hill operator, and one of the best people in Washington.”
Braid added, “Katie is going to do great things, and I know that the Office of Legislative Affairs will deliver for the President under her leadership.”
Bailey steps into the position as Republicans face significant pressure to maintain control of both chambers of Congress heading into the midterm election cycle.
Congress is currently out of session, but Bailey will need to prepare quickly for what is expected to be a demanding lame-duck legislative period.
The appointment follows Trump’s separate announcement naming conservative commentator Katie Zacharia as the new White House press secretary, signaling a broader reshaping of key communications and liaison roles.
