Headline Roundup • February 7th, 2024
Ronna McDaniel Plans to Step Down as RNC Chair
Summary from the AllSides News Team
On Tuesday, it was reported that Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Ronna McDaniel plans to step down after the South Carolina primary. Now in her fourth two-year term, she is the longest-serving Republican Party Chair since the Civil War.
Key Details: According to two people who are familiar with the plans, McDaniel has told former President Donald Trump that she plans to step down shortly after the February 24th South Carolina primary. The plan, however, is not set yet, according to reports.
Key Quote: “Nothing has changed,” said RNC spokesman Keith Schipper in a statement. “This will be decided after South Carolina.”
For Context: On February 2nd, at the RNC's winter meeting in Las Vegas, McDaniel called for the party to unite behind the goal of defeating President Joe Biden in November. She has been facing criticism from some far-right conservatives, as well as a cash-crunch at the RNC. Her potential ouster highlights Trump's growing influence in the Republican Party on the eve of a general election season.
How the Media Covered it: Sources across the political spectrum noted that Trump is likely to support Michael Whatley to replace McDaniel. Whatley is Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, and supports Trump's claim of voter fraud in the 2020 Election.
Featured Coverage of this Story
Fox News/Paul Steinhauser
Ronna McDaniel's tenure as chair of the Republican National Committee may soon be coming to an end.
But an RNC spokesperson is denying a report on Tuesday that McDaniel would step down later this month.
The New York Times reported on Tuesday evening that McDaniel - the longest serving RNC chair in modern history - told former President Donald Trump that she would resign after the Feb. 24 South Carolina Republican presidential primary, according to two people familiar with her plans.
And sources added that Trump would likely aim to...
BRIAN CAHN/ZUMA PRESS
Ronna McDaniel, who has led the Republican National Committee since shortly after being selected in late 2016 by Donald Trump, won’t continue to hold her post for the 2024 general election, according to sources close to the former president.
“She is out,” one Trump confidant said.
An RNC member familiar with the situation said McDaniel will step down after the South Carolina Republican primary on Feb. 24. Two other committee veterans said they hadn’t been briefed by McDaniel on her intentions.
An RNC spokesman dismissed the idea that her plan was set. “Nothing has changed,”...
Sophie Park for The New York Times
The chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, Ronna McDaniel, has told former President Donald J. Trump she is planning to step down shortly after the South Carolina primary on Feb. 24, according to two people familiar with the plans.
Mr. Trump is then likely to promote the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, Michael Whatley, as her replacement, according to several people familiar with the discussions. Under the arcana of the committee’s rules, however, Mr. Trump cannot simply install someone. A new election must take place, and Mr. Whatley...
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