Key facts
- Katie Bailey has been appointed as the new director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs.
- Bailey previously served as deputy director of the office and special assistant to the president.
- She formerly worked for Sen. Mike Braun and Sen. Tom Coburn.
- Bailey is credited by President Trump with assisting in the confirmations of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, and Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling.
- James Braid is the outgoing director of the Office of Legislative Affairs and will transition to the private sector.
- Bailey's appointment comes shortly before the midterm elections.
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Katie Bailey will take over as the director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, a key role in managing the administration's relationship with Congress. Bailey, who has been serving as the deputy director of the office since the summer, will replace James Braid, whose final day is Tuesday.
Bailey's background includes legislative roles on Capitol Hill, most recently as legislative director for Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana, and previously for former Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma. Trump praised Bailey for her contributions to the confirmations of several Cabinet members, including Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, and Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling, stating she has "already delivered strong results."
Trump highlighted Bailey's understanding of how the executive and legislative branches can collaborate effectively. Braid, described by Trump as his "longest tenured" legislative affairs director, is moving to the private sector after what Trump called a "fabulous job."