BREAKING: RNC Officially Elects New Chair

Former President Donald Trump’s grip on the Republican National Committee (RNC) has tightened as his favored candidates have clinched key leadership roles. Michael Whatley, who has voiced support for Trump’s disputed voter fraud allegations, has ascended to the top position of national chairman, officially replacing Ronna Romney McDaniel.

Meanwhile, Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law, has stepped into the co-chair position, further embedding Trump’s influence within the RNC.

In February, Ronna McDaniel announced she would resign from office on March 8th, keeping with her promise to step down after the South Carolina primary. At the committee’s spring meeting, McDaniel expressed mixed emotions, saying, “It is a little bit bittersweet to be with all of you here today as I step down as chair after seven years of working with you all.”

Michael Whatley is the new RNC Chair, and Lara Trump is the new RNC Co-Chair
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/D5LmzZI0O4

— Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) March 8, 2024

In a speech following his election, Whatley assured RNC members, “The RNC is going to be the vanguard of a movement that will work tirelessly every single day to elect our nominee, Donald J. Trump, as the 47th President of the United States.”

WATCH:

Whatley’s appointment marks a new era for the RNC, following the departure of McDaniel who had been at the helm for seven years under Trump’s recommendation. McDaniel’s tenure came to an end amidst increasing pressure from Trump’s movement, which attributed recent Republican electoral losses partly to her leadership.

“Some of my proudest accomplishments include firing Nancy Pelosi, winning the popular vote in 2022, creating an Election Integrity Department, building the committee’s first small dollar grassroots donor program, strengthening our state parties through our Growing Republican Organizations to Win program, expanding the Party through minority outreach at our community centers, and launching Bank Your Vote to get Republicans to commit to voting early,” McDaniel said last month.

Whatley’s victory in Houston signifies a strategic shift, aiming to align the party’s machinery more closely with Trump’s campaign directives.

Lara Trump’s role as co-chair will primarily involve fundraising and media engagements, a testament to her influence within the party and her celebrity status among members. The leadership transition is designed to enhance the party’s political and financial strategies, with Chris LaCivita, a Trump campaign advisor, stepping in as the RNC’s chief of staff, ensuring seamless operations between Trump’s campaign and the party’s infrastructure.

Despite the leadership overhaul, concerns have been raised about the potential use of RNC resources to cover Trump’s legal expenses, which have been significant due to ongoing legal challenges. However, both Whatley and LaCivita have made assurances that RNC funds will not be directed towards these costs, a stance that seeks to alleviate donor apprehensions and focus financial resources on electoral victories.

The realignment within the RNC, while not uncommon during presidential election cycles, is seen by some as a more aggressive takeover, reflecting Trump’s ambition to consolidate his control over the party’s operations. The new leadership is expected to prioritize restoring election integrity and stopping voter fraud, echoing Trump’s longstanding concerns.

With Trump’s leadership team now in place, the RNC is poised to enter a new phase of political campaigning, focusing on securing Trump’s re-election come November.