Trump economic aide to take over WH legislative affairs

Shahira Knight, deputy director of the National Economic Council, has been named as Short's replacement, two people familiar with the move told CNN. Her appointment is expected to be officially announced as soon as Monday, one person said.

Short told his team in mid-June that he planned to leave the administration in the months ahead. But his exit at the start of a battle in the Senate to confirm Brett Kavanaugh, Trump's Supreme Court nominee, has raised eyebrows among some aides --- particularly coming after internal discussions about Short remaining in place until Kavanaugh's confirmation.

Knight had weighed her own White House departure last month and even made plans to take a role at Clearing House, a financial services group. However, Knight opted to put off her exit when the prospect of taking Short's job became available, a White House aide said.

Knight has been considered a leading contender to take over for Short since he decided to step down.

Short shepherded Trump's tax cuts to successful passage late last year in what was the high-water mark of his time in the White House. However, Short also led the unsuccessful push to repeal Obamacare, and he helped negotiate a budget deal that Trump nearly refused to sign in the spring.