James Braid, who directs the White House’s lobbying efforts in Congress, will depart the White House next month ahead of the midterm elections, President Trump announced Thursday.
“James has played a critical role in our many accomplishments with Congress, including the One Big Beautiful Bill, beating Democrats in two shutdowns, passing the Genius Act, defeating a record number of War Powers resolutions and the confirmation of my Cabinet at the fastest rate in decades,” Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This has been and will continue to be the most successful Republican Congress in History.”
Mr. Braid serves as the White House’s legislative affairs director, which makes him the president’s direct line to Congress.
He will leave the role just weeks before the midterms, which could make it difficult for the White House to get any legislation through Congress in the next few months.
He has been critical to getting the White House’s priorities into law, helping skeptical lawmakers get on board with some of Mr. Trump’s most politically sensitive proposals.
Mr. Braid, 35, will take a job in the private sector, according to CNN.
Before becoming Mr. Trump’s liaison to Congress, Mr. Braid worked with J.D. Vance before the shift from senator to vice president.
Mr. Vance praised Mr. Braid, saying he had “one of the toughest jobs in the entire administration” and “delivered at every turn.”
It’s the second high-profile departure from the Trump administration in as many weeks after press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced she’s stepping down this month. She will continue to serve as an adviser to the president.
The departures come at a tough time for Mr. Trump, who has been mired in low approval ratings and criticism over his handling of the war in Iran, which sent gas prices soaring.
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