Following the revelation of the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) worst fundraising year in a decade, former President Donald Trump and his team have expressed significant concern. The former president is reportedly considering a more hands-on approach to rectify the situation, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
Trump has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the RNC and its chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, both privately and publicly. He has questioned McDaniel’s leadership and the committee’s direction in several interviews. Trump announced on social media that he would make a decision regarding his recommendations for RNC growth the day after the South Carolina Primary, indicating his intent to become more involved in the committee’s operations.
This announcement came shortly after a two-hour meeting between Trump and McDaniel at his Mar-a-Lago resort, where they discussed the RNC’s direction. The meeting was described as cordial by two sources briefed on the matter.
The RNC’s financial struggles are the latest in a series of conflicts between Trump and the committee. Trump still holds the organization responsible for what he perceives as a lack of proper legal support and systems to challenge the 2020 election results. These tensions have escalated in recent months, with Trump’s campaign expressing frustration over the RNC’s handling of GOP primary debates and a botched draft resolution that would have declared Trump the presumptive nominee.
Trump’s team has been considering potential replacements for McDaniel, including Michael Whatley, chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, and Drew McKissick, chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party. Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters, a longtime Trump supporter, is also being considered.
However, Trump does not have the authority to remove McDaniel directly. He can apply pressure for her to resign or encourage RNC members to vote her out at the committee’s summer meeting. A two-thirds majority vote from the 168 RNC members would be required for her removal, a threshold that some insiders doubt could be easily achieved.
Despite these tensions, the Trump campaign and the RNC have much to gain from each other. The campaign can benefit from the RNC’s data operation, ground operation, and fundraising. The RNC’s legal fund will also be crucial as Trump continues to face mounting legal fees from multiple criminal cases. The RNC, on the other hand, needs Trump’s branding to improve its financial situation.
However, the RNC’s operations may not match the sophistication of the 2020 campaign, when officials had years to develop their strategy with Trump as the incumbent. This discrepancy could pose significant challenges moving forward.