Trump taps Katie Bailey as White House legislative affairs director
President Donald Trump named Katie Bailey to lead the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, making her the administration's primary liaison to Congress. Bailey is currently deputy director of legislative affairs and has prior Capitol Hill experience, including as legislative director for Sen. Mike Braun. The appointment comes less than a month before the midterm elections and one day after Trump announced a new White House press secretary.
Katie Bailey will move from deputy director of legislative affairs to head the White House office that coordinates with Congress. In her current role, she worked with the Senate and assisted with confirmations, including Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton. Her resume includes a stint as a presidential special assistant and several Capitol Hill positions, most recently serving as Sen. Mike Braun's legislative director.
She replaces James Braid, whom Trump described as his longest-serving legislative affairs director and said is moving to the private sector. The change comes one day after Katie Zacharia was announced as press secretary and less than a month before midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.
Bailey's elevation may affect how smoothly the White House advances its legislative priorities with Congress, especially with control of both chambers at stake in the midterms. Lawmakers, agency officials, and constituencies relying on federal legislation could feel the effects through confirmation fights, spending talks, and oversight negotiations. Her Capitol Hill background may help maintain communication, though outcomes will depend on election results and congressional dynamics.