James Braid, President Donald Trump’s longest-serving legislative affairs director, will leave the White House in September after steering the administration’s agenda through a narrowly divided Congress.
Braid, 35, has held the post since the beginning of Trump’s second term, navigating a single-digit Republican majority in the House and a Senate filled with lawmakers who have repeatedly clashed with the president.
His departure comes after the White House secured passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the centerpiece of Trump’s legislative agenda.
Braid’s team also helped advance a housing bill, the GENIUS Act, a rescissions package and a new Federal Reserve chair. The legislative operation defeated more than two dozen war powers resolutions along the way, largely without Democratic support.
Under James Braid, the administration never lost a Cabinet-level confirmation vote on the Senate floor. His team helped muscle through the confirmations of Pete Hegseth, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Todd Blanche despite fierce opposition.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida withdrew his bid for attorney general before receiving a Senate vote. Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York remained in the House after concerns emerged about Speaker Mike Johnson’s razor-thin majority.
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The string of victories made Braid Trump’s most accomplished legislative affairs director to date. Trump went through four legislative directors during his first term: Marc Short, Shahira Knight, Eric Ueland and Amy Swonger.
Braid has earned the trust of both Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Before joining the White House, he served as Vance’s legislative director in the Senate following a career in the House.
His exit leaves the administration with a critical decision ahead of the midterm elections. The White House could promote an internal candidate or turn to an experienced Capitol Hill operator from outside the administration.
The choice could become even more consequential if Democrats capture either chamber. Trump’s next legislative affairs director may need to negotiate with Democrats to keep the government open while responding to a potential wave of congressional investigations.
The administration will also need a replacement in place for what could be a hectic lame-duck session if Republicans lose the House or Senate. Navigating Capitol Hill is a specialized skill, and relatively few officials in the administration have Braid’s experience.
Pace McMullan, who led the White House’s Senate outreach under Braid, also recently left the administration.
