James Braid, the White House director of legislative affairs, will leave the administration in September, marking the latest departure in a series of high-level staff exits. Braid, often referred to as President Trump's "congressional whisperer," has been responsible for advancing the president's policy agenda through Congress.
His departure comes as the administration experiences a significant staff exodus, with several other key aides announcing their departures in recent weeks. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to leave at the end of August, following her former deputy spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, who departed two weeks prior. White House counsel David Warrington also announced his departure for the end of August. Deputy National Security Adviser Andy Baker and Trump aide Emily Underwood are also leaving this month.
This wave of departures coincides with a dip in President Trump's approval ratings. A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey indicates that only 33 percent of respondents approve of his performance, while 64 percent disapprove. This figure is the lowest of his second term and ties his all-time record low from his first term.
With the November midterm elections approaching in less than three months, the exodus raises concerns about the Republican Party's ability to maintain control of Capitol Hill. The approaching elections and the remaining time for the Republican Party to pass legislation on party lines add pressure to the White House.
President Trump acknowledged Braid's contributions, stating in a written comment that Braid played a "critical role" in legislative accomplishments, including "THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL," "beating the Democrats in two shutdown showdowns," passing "the GENIUS Act," defeating "a record number of War Powers resolutions," and the rapid confirmation of his Cabinet. Braid previously worked in the first Trump administration and served as an advisor to JD Vance when Vance was a Senator.
J.D. Vance, now Vice President, also praised Braid, describing him on X as "brilliant" and "one of the hardest workers." The future plans for James Braid have not yet been disclosed.
The incoming head of the White House office of legislative affairs will face the challenge of navigating a complex legislative landscape in the remaining months before the midterms. If Democrats gain control of the House or Senate in November, there is an expectation of increased investigations into the Trump administration, requiring a strategic approach to dealing with Democratic lawmakers.