Donald Trump Announces Departure of Legislative Director James Braid

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that White House Legislative Director James Braid will depart his position in September. Trump praised Braid for his role in managing cabinet confirmations, defeating War Powers resolutions, and passing the GENIUS Act and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Vice President JD Vance and Speaker Mike Johnson issued statements commending Braid's work ethic and his ability to advance the administration's America First agenda despite narrow congressional majorities. Braid previously served as a policy aide to Vance and held staff roles for the House Freedom Caucus and several Republican representatives.

Braid's exit follows the recent announcement that Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will leave the administration at the end of August to focus on her family. Both officials are departing on positive terms, though the White House has not yet named replacements for either role. The departures occur while Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair is on temporary leave to manage midterm political operations.