James Braid, the top White House aide in charge of liaising with Congress, is leaving the administration, according to a person with knowledge of the transition, granted anonymity to discuss private plans.
Braid, from his perch as director of legislative affairs, has been responsible for shepherding President Donald Trump's agenda through a narrow majority, a job that's become increasingly difficult as the president has repeatedly clashed with members of his own party in both the House and Senate.
His departure comes at a tumultuous time for the White House. The president's approval ratings are at near-record lows, the GOP is staring down a tough midterm and other senior staff have either left or are about to exit.
Last week, press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced she'd be leaving the administration. Deputy chief of staff James Blair is on a temporary leave of absence to run Trump's political operation.
It was not immediately clear where Braid was headed.
Braid and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Braid's departure removes one of the administration's most experienced congressional hands. He came to the job having served most recently as a top policy aide to then-Sen. JD Vance, and successfully straddled Trumpworld and Vanceworld.
He also served as chief of staff to former Reps. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) and Ken Buck (R-Co.), and deputy chief of staff to Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) and then-Rep. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and as policy director to the House Freedom Caucus.
Braid also spent time in the first Trump administration. That resume made him a uniquely qualified Trump translator for Republican lawmakers. He was a blunt-spoken enforcer in the MAGA style, but with the relationships needed to push and persuade.
Braid was heavily involved in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the president's signature domestic legislation and, most recently, helped shepherd a bipartisan housing bill.