Donald Trump is facing criticism for endorsing new leadership for the Republican National Committee (RNC). Last week, reports surfaced suggesting that Ronna McDaniel, the longtime RNC Chairwoman, would step down amid ongoing criticism from Trump and his supporters.
Although McDaniel has not officially confirmed these reports, Trump swiftly announced her replacement. In a statement released on Monday night, Trump backed Michael Whatley, the current chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, to succeed McDaniel.
Whatley, a vocal supporter of Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election, faced backlash for his views on the matter.
Donald Trump (Credits: Axios)
Additionally, Trump endorsed Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, to serve as RNC co-chair, and Chris LaCivita, his 2024 campaign adviser, as the chief operating officer (COO) of the RNC.
The endorsement of Whatley, who also serves as the general counsel for the RNC, drew criticism from some who disagreed with his stance on the 2020 election. Similarly, Lara Trump’s endorsement was questioned due to her close familial ties to the former president.
Trump’s selection of LaCivita as RNC COO also faced pushback from supporters of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, whom LaCivita had previously criticized during the governor’s presidential campaign.
Critics argued that Trump’s endorsements represented a complete takeover of the RNC and expressed concerns about the organization becoming a tool for the Trump family’s interests. Some questioned the ethical implications of appointing family members to leadership positions within the committee.
However, Trump defended his choices, emphasizing Whatley’s commitment to election integrity and Lara Trump’s communication skills and dedication to the “MAGA” movement. He expressed confidence in their ability to lead the RNC effectively.
Despite Trump’s continued claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election, President Joe Biden’s victory has been widely accepted and certified. Nonetheless, Trump reiterated his belief in the need for election integrity to prevent fraud.
In his statement, Trump praised the endorsed individuals as highly talented, battle-tested, and intelligent, giving them his full endorsement to lead the Republican National Committee.
