(PatriotSpotlight.org) – Former President Donald Trump will support his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump in the race to Chair the Republican National Committee (RNC). He has also endorsed Michael Whatley, chair of North Carolina’s Republican party, for a leadership role within the RNC. The push to reset the top GOP body’s leadership comes after a slew of reports indicating dissatisfaction with its incumbent top brass ahead of November’s Presidential election.
Speculation regarding an impending shake-up of the RNC has been further buttressed by claims that current chair Ronna McDaniel could quit the high-profile role after the South Carolina Republican primary set to be held on February 24th. The RNC has a major part to play in raising funds and mobilizing grassroots Republican voters ahead of election, and Trump’s endorsement is likely to hold weight in its decision-making process.
Trump’s announcement comes after public tensions between himself and McDaniel relating to the party’s lackluster performance in the 2022 midterm elections, and the televised primary debates which Trump has not participated in. McDaniel was initially expected to serve in her role until 2025. While McDaniel has not publicly announced her intention to step-down, she met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida last week, allegedly to express her plans to resign.
Despite his slew of legal challenges the former President remains the favorite to win the GOP’s nomination for Presidential candidate. In a statement released on Monday 12 February, Trump thanked Whatley following his overwhelming win in the latter’s home state of North Carolina. Trump also hailed Lara Trump as a talented communicator who he argued was a firm follower of the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement he heads-up. Lara Trump, a former TV producer, has been married to Trump’s third-eldest child Eric, since 2014, and has previously worked closely alongside the RNC, particularly on successful fundraising drives.
GOP regulations currently require gender diversity in its top leadership roles, with a position for one male and one female required at RNC’s helm. If Lara Trump and Whatley assume leadership positions within the RNC, it would signal a closer alignment between Trump’s political campaign and the committee’s operations. Whatley previously launched a failed run for co-chair despite Trump’s backing.
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