Trump endorses triumvirate of loyalists to take over RNC

Former President Trump on Monday endorsed Michael Whatley, chair of the North Carolina GOP, to become the next leader of the Republican National Committee if the current chairwoman Ronna McDaniel steps down.

Why it matters: Trump for weeks has been ramping up his public criticisms of McDaniel, after the committee posted its worst fundraising year in almost a decade in 2023.

Trump endorsed his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, to serve as co-chair.

Trump also endorsed his campaign senior adviser, Chris LaCivita, to effectively serve as COO.

If approved, the trio of endorsements would bring Trump allies to the highest positions in RNC leadership, giving him broad control over the committee as he appears heading towards a general election.

Zoom in: Whatley, who, along with Lara Trump would have to be voted on by the members of the RNC, has supported Trump's false claims of election fraud during the 2020 presidential election, according to the New York Times.