This is the change he wanted.
Former President Donald Trump announced on Monday his endorsement of Michael Whatley for the next head of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and backed his daughter-in-law Lara Trump for co-chair. Trump had previously suggested that RNC chair Ronna McDaniel should step aside, but he planned to make recommendations after the South Carolina primary on Feb. 24.
In a statement, Trump expressed his support for Whatley, stating, “I think my friend Michael Whatley should be the RNC’s next leader,” praising his contributions and leadership within the North Carolina Republican Party, where Whatley serves as chairman.
Additionally, Trump announced Lara Trump’s agreement to run as the RNC co-chair, citing her communication skills and dedication to the principles of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Lara Trump, who served as a senior adviser to the Trump campaign in 2020, has been actively involved in promoting Trump’s agenda.
Trump’s endorsements come amid discussions about the future leadership of the RNC, with Trump emphasizing the importance of having a party structure geared towards winning elections. Trump adviser highlighted the need for a focused and effective RNC to secure victories in the upcoming November elections.
Responding to Trump’s announcement, an RNC spokesman reiterated McDaniel’s commitment to supporting Republican candidates and defeating the Biden administration. The spokesman emphasized that there would be no decision or announcement about future plans until after the South Carolina primary.
Trump’s proposed replacements received mixed reactions within the party. While some expressed confidence in the transition, others viewed it as a natural progression to bring new leadership into the RNC. Richard Porter, an RNC member, praised Whatley’s organizational skills and Lara Trump’s fundraising abilities, drawing comparisons to historical figures who served in similar roles.
However, Trump’s GOP primary rival Nikki Haley’s campaign manager criticized the former president’s plans for the RNC, calling for a complete overhaul of the organization. The Haley campaign emphasized the need for merit-based leadership selection and a thorough audit of RNC finances.
