Senior figures within the Republican National Committee (RNC) have dismissed allegations that they are implementing a “litmus test” for current and prospective staff members based on their beliefs about the legitimacy of the 2020 election.
This rebuttal follows a report by CNN earlier this week, citing two anonymous sources, that RNC staff and potential hires were questioned in recent weeks about their views on alleged fraud during the 2020 election. The issue of election fraud has been a central concern for the Donald Trump campaign and the newly elected RNC leadership, as they look towards the 2024 election.
Many attribute this focus to the former president’s dissatisfaction with the RNC’s handling of fraud allegations surrounding the 2020 election. However, there is no substantiated evidence of widespread election fraud in the previous presidential race.
During a press call on Thursday, a high-ranking RNC official, without providing specific details about the interview questions related to the 2020 election, stated that it was “clearly not a litmus test,” dismissing such a notion as “absurd.” The official maintained that the line of questioning was intended to understand the firsthand experiences and observations of the RNC’s political staff in battleground states during the 2020 election and their current approach to their roles.
Another official refuted the claim that a specific question about the rigging of the 2020 election was asked. The official stated, “There is a litmus test, and that is, ‘Do you support President Trump or not?'”
Trump has consistently and falsely alleged, both publicly and privately, that the 2020 election was marred by fraud and that President Joe Biden stole the election from him. This narrative has galvanized many GOP voters around him.
Trump’s relationship with former RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel deteriorated largely due to his dissatisfaction with her handling of the alleged fraud claims. McDaniel and RNC co-chair Drew McKissick resigned from their roles earlier this month, and Trump’s endorsed candidates – Michael Whatley and Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law – were elected to succeed them.
Trump also appointed two of his senior advisers, Chris LaCivita and James Blair, to senior positions at the RNC. LaCivita assumed the role of the committee’s chief operating officer, while Blair was chosen to guide the RNC’s political strategy, according to sources familiar with the plans.