James Braid Leaves White House

Trump's top liaison to Congress is leaving ahead of a tough pre-midterms session.

•Leans Right

White House Congressional Liaison Heads for the Exit, Shares Insights Into Trump-Thune Dynamic

Trump's Director of Legislative Affairs, James Braid, to Depart White House

Key Trump aide James Braid leaving White House ahead of midterms

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President Donald Trump announced Thursday that White House Director of Legislative Affairs James Braid, his top liaison to Congress, will leave the administration in September. Braid oversaw White House lobbying during passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and GENIUS Act, two shutdown fights, War Powers votes and confirmations cited by Trump and Vice President JD Vance. He previously served as legislative director for then-Sen. JD Vance and was Trump’s longest-serving legislative affairs director. His exit comes before a packed September congressional session and midterm elections.

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Midterm Staffing CrisisBalanced

James Braid’s departure is a serious blow to Trump’s White House as it heads into a difficult pre-midterm stretch. Losing him worsens a staffing problem and leaves the administration needing to quickly restore a crucial connection to Congress.