Move over, Ronna McDaniel. Here comes former President Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara, as the head of the Republican National Committee.
The favored Republican presidential candidate urged a reshuffling of RNC leadership Monday night to gain greater control over the party ahead of his 2024 bid.
In a public statement, Trump formally endorsed Michael Whatley for RNC chairman to replace incumbent McDaniel, who faced recent criticism from Trump over perceived fundraising issues and excessive legal spending.
That wasn’t the only shakeup.
Trump simultaneously backed appointing daughter-in-law Lara Trump as co-chair and adviser Chris LaCivita to chief operating officer, stating:
The RNC MUST be a good partner in the Presidential election. It must do the work we expect from the national Party and do it flawlessly. That means helping to ensure fair and transparent elections across the country, getting out the vote everywhere — even in parts of the country where it won’t be easy — and working with my campaign, as the Republican presumptive nominee for President, to win this election and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
Installing family and allies atop the party risks the appearance of self-interest ahead of the election, critics said.
Trump primary challenger Nikki Haley’s campaign said in a statement that “Trump just announced he is rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.”
“Under Donald Trump and current RNC leadership, Republicans lost elections in 2018, 2020 and 2022, and now the RNC is effectively bankrupt,” Betsy Ankeny, Haley’s campaign manager, said. “Nikki Haley’s plan for the RNC? Blow it all up.”
The moves would likely expand Trump’s influence over RNC spending as the election nears. The organization pays millions in Trump legal bills and could further direct funds boosting his reelection efforts.
Lara Trump previously weighed a Senate run in North Carolina, and for years has held important positions inside Trump campaigns.
The full RNC delegation must still formally vote on the proposed leadership slate.
But Trump anticipates his popular sway will ensure the selection of preferred loyalists.
The Horn editorial team