Ronna McDaniel reportedly discussed stepping down as chair of the Republican National Committee during a meeting with former President Trump earlier this month, a move that would be welcome among many on the right who’ve been calling for new leadership for years.
While McDaniel has not officially decided to step down, according to the AP, if it happens, both agreed the announcement should wait until after the South Carolina primary.
In a statement released Monday evening, the 45th president appeared ready for her departure, however, naming three individuals he believes should join the ranks at the RNC.
He argued his “friend” Michael Whatley should be the new RNC chair: “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.”
Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, should run to be RNC co-chair, Trump said, and Chris LaCivita ought to be chief operating officer of the RNC.
“The RNC MUST be a good partner in the Presidential election,” Trump stated. “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!”
Trump added: “Every penny will be used properly. New Day.”
Responding to the former president’s endorsements, an RNC spokesperson said "nothing has changed, and there will be no decision or announcement about future plans until after South Carolina."