'Not running this circus': RNC trolled as chief counsel Charlie Spies resigns two months after taking job

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: In a surprising turn of events, Charlie Spies, the chief counsel of the Republican National Committee (RNC), has announced his departure from the party apparatus after just a few months in the role.

Sources close to the matter suggest that Spies was "pushed out", raising questions and speculation about the circumstances surrounding his exit.

Reasons for departure

According to an NBC News report, RNC spokesperson Danielle Alvarez stated that Spies approached RNC Chief of Staff Chris LaCivita about potential conflicts in time commitment.

"Charlie approached RNC Chief of Staff, Chris LaCivita, about potential time commitment conflicts and it was agreed that, while we appreciate and value Charlie’s expertise and professionalism, he cannot do this role full time and still maintain the obligations to his law firm that he has spent years successfully building," said Alvarez in a statement to the outlet.

Spies' hiring in March was significant, coming amid a leadership overhaul within the RNC, with former president Donald Trump endorsing Michael Whatley to lead the organization. This endorsement effectively reshaped the committee, aligning it more closely with Trump's image and policies.

A campaign official previously described him as “the best at what he does, knows the FEC loopholes better than anyone” but a “gun for hire.” And despite his reputation as a skilled legal strategist, Spies reportedly clashed with Trump and was not a supporter of the former president.

Before his role at the RNC, Spies had an illustrious career, including working for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during the GOP primary. He is renowned for his work in expanding the use of super PACs following the landmark Citizens United decision.

Notably, he spearheaded Right to Rise, the super PAC used by Jeb Bush during the 2016 election cycle, raising a staggering $100 million before Bush formally announced his candidacy.

Spies' departure has prompted speculation about the direction of the RNC under Trump's influence.

The veteran lawyer had previously rejected election-related conspiracy theories embraced by Trump and his allies, publicly contradicting false claims about voting machines switching votes. "I may get booed off the stage for this, but I have to say that's simply not true. There is just zero evidence that's true," Spies declared.

Alex Floyd, the Democratic National Committee rapid response director, weighed in on Spies' exit, suggesting that Trump's takeover of the RNC had led to “an election denier litmus test for new hires” and that Spies was “purged for disagreeing with Trump’s dangerous conspiracy theories” about the 2020 election.

Social media backlash

Social media was inundated with reactions following Charlie Spies' exit from the RNC.

"Why? Perhaps he doesn't want to be involved in another Insurrection and lose his legal license," one posted on X.

"Why? He’s against Lara’s taking the position of an experienced worker who wouldn’t steal for Trump?" another asked.

"Even he was like, 'Nope, I'm not running this circus,'" someone else quipped.

"Had enough of Lara & Donnie already… wonder what they are doing to make him leave that fast? Where did the $ come from to pay the contempt fines?" a comment read.

"If you’re not a stollen election supporting conspiracy theorist, you’re not employable with Trump," another chimed in.

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