Former President Donald Trump on Monday endorsed North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley to replace Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel.
The former president hosted a FOX Business episode that aired on February 4, days after Federal Election Commission filings showed the RNC had just $8 million in cash on hand, the lowest since 2014. In an interview with Maria Bartiromo, he hinted at a possible replacement for Mr. McDaniel. announced In a statement, he supported his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, as co-chair. (Related: 'We got into another conversation': Laura Ingraham confronts Ronna McDaniel after dodging question about 'Track Record')
“I believe that my friend Michael Whatley should be the next leader of the RNC,” President Trump said in a statement. “Michael has been with me from the beginning and has done a great job in his home state of North Carolina and is committed to election integrity. We must eliminate fraud from elections so they are not stolen. .”
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 8: Speaks to members of the media in the spin room after the NBC News Republican presidential primary debate at the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center of Miami-Dade County on November 8, 2023 in Miami. RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. , Florida. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“My incredibly talented daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, has agreed to run as RNC co-chair,” Trump continued. “Lara is a very gifted communicator and she is dedicated to everything MAGA stands for. She told me she wanted to accept this challenge and she is amazing. Sho!”
McDaniel said Republicans underperformed in the 2022 midterm elections and had a disappointing 2023 election night, losing control of the Virginia General Assembly and leading to the ouster of Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky. He was criticized after his failure.
McDaniel fended off a challenge to the RNC chairmanship from lawyer Harmeet Dhillon in January 2023.
“I have asked Chris Lacivita, in whom I have full confidence, to effectively assume the role of chief operating officer of the commission,” Trump said in a statement. “Chris will manage the day-to-day operations of the RNC and will ensure that the RNC becomes a fighting machine in 2024, using every means available to win for the American people.”
“These three groups are extremely talented, experienced, and smart. They have my full support to lead the Republican National Committee,” Trump continued. “I will make every penny count.”
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