Trump’s grip on the GOP is growing stronger.
In a swift transformation of the Republican National Committee (RNC), former President Donald Trump has orchestrated significant shifts within the GOP, signaling further changes on the horizon.
Handpicked by Trump himself, two new leaders were unveiled last Friday to steer the RNC into its next chapter. Michael Whatley, a close ally of Trump and incumbent chair of the North Carolina Republican Party along with serving as the RNC’s general counsel, clinched the position of RNC chair. Alongside him, Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law, ascended to the role of co-chair.
Under this new leadership, the RNC has wasted no time in implementing sweeping personnel adjustments, as highlighted by The Hill. This restructuring includes appointing fresh faces to key senior positions, parting ways with certain staff members, and prompting others to reapply for their roles.
Among the notable appointments are Chris LaCivita, a seasoned advisor from the Trump campaign, tasked with overseeing the RNC’s day-to-day operations, as well as Sean Cairncross, who assumes the role of chief operating officer. Adding legal expertise to the mix, GOP lawyer Charlie Spies steps in as chief counsel, while Christina Bobb, formerly of One America News, assumes the position of senior counsel for election integrity. Bill McGinley, an attorney with prior experience in the Trump administration, has been enlisted as the RNC’s external counsel for matters concerning election integrity.
Whatley elucidated the rationale behind these staffing adjustments and outlined forthcoming initiatives in a communication addressed to RNC members, as revealed by The Hill. Emphasizing outreach efforts, he stressed the imperative of engaging with demographic segments historically overlooked by Republicans, aiming to bolster the party’s vote share and prevent any potential voter slippage.
Moreover, Whatley underscored heightened focus on election integrity endeavors, a sentiment echoed in NPR’s reportage. In discussions with RNC staff, Whatley outlined plans for intensifying community organizing efforts in non-traditional Republican domains, signaling a strategic shift towards broader inclusivity and engagement.