After a significant victory on Super Tuesday, Donald Trump has tightened his hold on the Republican National Committee (RNC). His two close allies, Michael Whatley and Lara Trump, have officially clinched top positions within the committee. Whatley, endorsed by Trump, has been unanimously elected as chair, while Lara Trump, Trump’s daughter-in-law and another endorsed candidate, assumes the role of co-chair.
The shakeup within the RNC comes as a result of Ronna McDaniel stepping down from her position as chairwoman. McDaniel, who served since 2017, announced her resignation last month amid pressure from Trump and his supporters. In her farewell address, McDaniel expressed her support for Trump’s vision for the RNC, stating, “President Trump deserves to have the change in place he wants in place at the RNC.”
this is a speech explaining why the daughter in law of the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party was given a position running the Republican Party https://t.co/CPBq4FPa8a
— Edward-Isaac Dovere (@IsaacDovere) March 8, 2024
During the official ceremony on Friday, Lara Trump reaffirmed her commitment to her father-in-law, emphasizing her dedication to his reelection campaign. She stated, “Everything I do at this committee will have one focus: re-electing Donald Trump, flipping the Senate, and expanding the House this November,” according to Newsweek.
However, Lara Trump’s appointment as co-chair of the RNC has sparked controversy online. Critics argue that she lacks the necessary qualifications for the position. A viral speech nominating Lara Trump defended her appointment, stating, “In a world where qualifications are often measured by titles and years of experience, we’re reminded of a truth: God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called. Lara Trump is the embodiment of this truth.”
CNN’s Edward-Isaac Dovere criticized the decision, stating, “This is a speech explaining why the daughter-in-law of the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party was given a position running the Republican Party.” MSNBC’s Jen Psaki also weighed in, remarking, “Someone wrote this line and thought it was going to kill it.. ‘God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called.’”
Online backlash against Lara Trump’s appointment as co-chair has been swift. Many express frustration, with one former Twitter user lamenting, “Lara Trump is now Co-Chair of the RNC. After a lifetime of donating to every GOP nominee and multiple down ballot candidates every cycle….I’m out. I donated to help win elections, not to maintain the lifestyle of a billionaire. No point donating now.”
Lara Trump is now Co-Chair of the RNC.
After a lifetime of donating to every GOP nominee and multiple down ballot candidates every cycle….I’m out.
I donated to help win elections, not to maintain the lifestyle of a billionaire.
No point donating now.
— Peter Henlein (@SwissWatchGuy) March 8, 2024
The appointment of Trump-aligned figures to key positions within the RNC underscores the continued influence of the former president within the Republican Party, setting the stage for a contentious political landscape leading up to the November elections.
Comments