Katie Bailey tapped as new White House legislative director, sources say

Katie Bailey is set to become the White House's top liaison to Congress, with the midterm elections less than a month away and both chambers potentially at stake. Multiple sources told CBS News that President Trump offered her the post of director of the Office of Legislative Affairs on Friday and that she said yes.

She takes over from James Braid, who left the job last month. Vice President JD Vance announced his departure and described the role as among the hardest in the administration. Vance credited Braid with a role in a long list of congressional wins, including a major tax cut, money for immigration enforcement and the border wall, the defeat of two Democratic shutdowns, a first crypto bill, and a quick confirmation of the cabinet.

Bailey already works in the building, serving as a special assistant to the president and deputy director of legislative affairs. Earlier, she was legislative director to Indiana Republican Sen. Mike Braun throughout his single six-year Senate term, which ended in January 2025 after he was elected governor. Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in the House and Senate, and Democrats could win either one.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CBS News’s reporting. Read the full story at CBS News →