In a significant political development, former President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Michael Whatley, the North Carolina Republican Party Chairman, to succeed Ronna McDaniel as the Republican National Committee (RNC) chair. Trump has also endorsed his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, for the co-chairwoman position at the RNC.
Trump’s endorsements are seen as a strategic move to influence the committee’s leadership and consolidate his control over the party. Chris LaCivita, Trump’s co-campaign manager, is set to serve as the RNC’s chief operating officer while continuing his current role.
In a statement, Trump praised Whatley’s commitment to election integrity and his successful tenure in North Carolina. He also lauded Lara Trump’s communication skills and dedication to the MAGA movement.
The former president’s endorsements follow weeks of internal maneuvering for the RNC’s leadership. Tensions between Trump and the committee have been increasingly visible, with dissatisfaction over McDaniel’s leadership among Trump and his top advisers leading to calls for her resignation.
Trump’s meeting with McDaniel at Mar-a-Lago, shortly after the RNC’s annual winter meeting, highlighted this pressure. McDaniel had reportedly offered to step down after the South Carolina primary to allow Trump to install his preferred party chair.
While Trump has not yet secured his party’s nomination, he is the clear front-runner in the GOP primary. Polls indicate Trump leading former Gov. Nikki Haley in the upcoming South Carolina Republican primary.
Trump’s endorsement holds significant sway among the 168 Republican National Committee members who elect the new chair and co-chair. Whatley has recently emerged as Trump’s preferred candidate for the chairmanship, despite other potential candidates like South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick and Florida Republican National Committeeman Joe Gruters.
A review of Whatley’s comments post the 2020 presidential election revealed that he had propagated misinformation and supported legal efforts to overturn the results. Whatley, who now acknowledges Joe Biden as the legitimate president, serves as the RNC’s general counsel, overseeing litigation and the organization’s “election integrity” efforts.
This story will be updated with further details as they emerge.