Donald Trump endorses Michael Whatley as RNC chair, daughter-in-law Lara Trump as co-chair

WASHINGTON, DC: Former President Donald Trump endorsed North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley for Republican National Committee chair and his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, for co-chairwoman, reported ABC News.

The GOP frontrunner announced the endorsement on Monday, February 12, noting Whatley's commitment to "election integrity" and his son Eric Trump's wife Lara's extreme talent as a "communicator."

Alongside endorsing the two, Trump also threw his support behind Chris LaCivita, one of his senior advisers for chief operating officer.

"This group of three is highly talented, battle-tested, and smart. They have my complete and total endorsement to lead the Republican National Committee," the White House hopeful told ABC News.

The current RNC Chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, will step down after the South Carolina GOP primary on February 24. She communicated her decision with the former president after he explicitly stated his dissatisfaction with her leadership amid the Committee facing the worst cash dip since 2014. As per FEC filings, the RNC had only $8 million in the bank at the end of December 2023.

Why does Donald Trump consider Michael Whatley and Lara Trump to lead RNC?

According to a CNN report, Trump had listed his reasons for endorsing Whatley and his daughter-in-law to lead the RNC ahead of a crucial presidential election.

"For these reasons, I think my friend Michael Whatley should be the RNC's next leader. 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," the ex-President said in the statement.

He stated that his "very talented" daughter-in-law, who has agreed to run as the Co-chair, is "an extremely talented communicator and is dedicated to all that MAGA stands for."

"She has told me she wants to accept this challenge and would be GREAT!" Trump continued.

Amid Trump's bid to install a new leadership, RNC issued its own statement indicating that McDaniel "will continue working hard to defeat" President Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential election. "Nothing has changed, and there will be no decision or announcement about future plans until after South Carolina," the RNC spokesperson said.

A major shakeup at the RNC signifies Trump's plan for potential joint fundraising similar to the 2020 election cycle as he closes in on the GOP nomination with winning streaks in state primaries and caucuses to likely face Biden in November.

Internet expresses dissatisfaction with Donald Trump's endorsements

Netizens were heavily disappointed and outraged as Trump backed his closest allies to lead the RNC. Calling him out for promoting nepotism, many accused the ex-president of trying to take over the Committee.

One Facebook user wrote, "The beginning of the dynasty…"

Another one commented, "JUST CALL IT THE TRUMP NATIONAL COMMITTEE ALREADY."

A user remarked on X, "NEPO drama is here …. Pathetic !!"

"So Trump is going to fill positions with his family again. Let me guess, she will get a salary," one user wrote.

Another response read, "So he wants to install his family members as party leaders."

"It’s not open primary anymore," added a user. Another remark read, "He really is just looking to put his friends and family members in positions of power. Ya know, like a monarchy…."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.