Trump Endorses Michael Whatley for RNC Chair, Backs Lara Trump as Co-Chair* Former President Aims for Leadership Change in Republican National Committee In an unexpected move, former President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Michael Whatley, the North Carolina Republican Party Chairman, to take over from Ronna McDaniel as the chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC). Not stopping there, Trump also endorsed his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, for the position of co-chairwoman at the RNC.

As the RNC undergoes potential leadership changes, the political landscape is witnessing a significant shift orchestrated by the former president, signalling a broader strategy for the upcoming political battles. Stay tuned for more updates as the story unfolds. In a statement, Trump emphasized his long-standing association with Whatley and praised his commitment to election integrity. Trump expressed, "For these reasons, I think my friend Michael Whatley should be the RNC’s next leader. Michael has been with me from the beginning, has done a great job in his home state of North Carolina, and is committed to election integrity, which we must have to keep fraud out of our election so it can’t be stolen." Adding another layer to the reshuffling, Trump lauded Lara Trump's communication skills and dedication to the principles of MAGA (Make America Great Again). "She has told me she wants to accept this challenge and would be GREAT!" he declared. This move by Trump comes after weeks of reported tensions between him and McDaniel, with dissatisfaction over her leadership style. The discontent reached a public stage, prompting discussions on McDaniel potentially stepping down. Trump's meeting with McDaniel at Mar-a-Lago fueled speculations about a change in RNC leadership. Responding to Trump's endorsements, Nikki Haley's campaign took a jab, stating that Trump is "rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic." The campaign manager, Betsy Ankney, criticized the RNC's track record under Trump's leadership, citing losses in 2018, 2020, and 2022 elections and pointing out the party's financial struggles. While Trump's nomination is not official, he remains the leading figure in the GOP primary, as indicated by polls placing him ahead of Nikki Haley in the upcoming South Carolina Republican primary. Trump's endorsement carries significant weight among the 168 Republican National Committee members responsible for electing a new chair and co-chair. As the RNC undergoes potential leadership changes, the political landscape is witnessing a significant shift orchestrated by the former president, signaling a broader strategy for the upcoming political battles. Stay tuned for more updates as the story unfolds.