In just a matter of days, Former President Trump has brought about a significant transformation within the Republican National Committee (RNC) as the organization gears up for the general election campaign.
In the week when Trump secured his position as the official nominee, the RNC decided to start afresh by making significant changes to their staff. This involved bringing in new individuals for senior leadership roles, terminating the employment of some employees, and requesting others to reapply for their positions.
The RNC is undergoing a major transformation due to its significant financial disparity with the DNC and President Biden’s campaign. Trump and his team are gearing up for a demanding campaign that will necessitate substantial resources.
Trump supporters wasted no time in making significant changes to the Republican National Committee (RNC). Last week, Chair Michael Whatley and co-Chair Lara Trump were elected, receiving strong support from the former president, who also happens to be Lara Trump’s father-in-law.
Chris LaCivita, an experienced advisor on the Trump campaign since its inception in November 2022, has transitioned to the RNC to take charge of day-to-day operations.
The Hill has received confirmation from a source that Sean Cairncross, a former adviser in the Trump White House, will take on the role of chief operating officer for the RNC.
Former President Donald Trump delivered a speech at a primary election night party held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, South Carolina, on February 24, 2024.
In a letter addressed to RNC members, Whatley shared a set of significant staff changes and presented the party’s strategic plan for the upcoming 2024 election cycle. He emphasized the merged Trump campaign and party as a cohesive and united operation.
According to Whatley, there exists a strong alignment between the RNC and the Trump campaign, with “one political program” shared between the two. Whatley also mentioned that James Blair, a trusted adviser to the former president, will be assuming the role of political director for both entities.
“Our focus will be on connecting with voters who have historically been overlooked to ensure that we expand our support base and leave no one behind,” stated Whatley in the letter. “Crucially, we will be urging Republicans to cast their votes early, while also increasing our voter outreach efforts to mobilize more Republican voters than ever before.”
The RNC plans to revamp its data operation, focusing on efficiency and tailoring its approach to each state, according to Whatley. The party aims to eliminate any unnecessary expenses and instead prioritize voter contact programs that will help amplify Trump’s ability to engage and energize his supporters.
Whatley also acknowledged the importance of prioritizing election integrity efforts, reflecting Trump’s strong concerns about fraud in the 2020 election and the multiple unsuccessful lawsuits he pursued after his loss.
Charlie Spies, a seasoned GOP lawyer, has been appointed as the chief counsel for the Republican National Committee (RNC). To further bolster their team, Christina Bobb, a former One America News host known for promoting the baseless assertion of a fraudulent 2020 election, will assume the role of senior counsel for election integrity. Additionally, the RNC has enlisted the expertise of Bill McGinley, a former attorney in the Trump administration, who will serve as outside counsel for election integrity.
According to Whatley, the Republican National Committee (RNC) is taking a new approach to this legal action. The RNC aims to be assertive and proactive in order to make voting more accessible and prevent any form of cheating.
Presumptive candidates often take the opportunity to make adjustments to the party apparatus and install their preferred leadership.
Doug Heye, a former spokesperson for the RNC, expressed the need for more transparency regarding the changes and their potential impact. He praised Cairncross, describing them as a seasoned professional who will effectively address areas that require improvement.
The party’s handling of funding for down-ballot candidates or programs established under the leadership of Ronna McDaniel has become uncertain due to the frequent turnover of staff and the reported shift in priorities. There are concerns among former RNC officials about the extent to which Trump and his team have taken control of the party.
Fundraising poses a specific concern for the RNC and Trump himself as he depletes millions of dollars to cover his legal expenses. He is currently confronted with numerous felony charges across four separate criminal cases in New York City, Georgia, Washington, D.C., and Florida.
LaCivita has dismissed any speculation that RNC funds will be utilized to cover Trump’s legal costs. However, Lara Trump has asserted that Republican voters would not take issue with it.
The president’s daughter-in-law is set to take on a pivotal role in energizing Republican fundraising efforts.
Lara Trump expressed her belief that the recent change in leadership at the RNC has ignited a sense of inspiration among many individuals, prompting them to contribute. In fact, she revealed that the past weekend witnessed the highest fundraising numbers since 2020.
“People recognize the importance of winning this election, and I feel that they have great confidence in our team, with me as the co-chair and Michael Whatley as the chairman,” she stated. “The funding will start flowing in again, and I will personally reach out to the people. We are aware that we need to make up for lost time, but I am confident that we can do it.”
The RNC, however, will have to work hard to catch up as they face one of the longest general election campaigns in recent history.
At the start of 2024, the party disclosed that they had slightly over $8 million in cash available, after experiencing a lackluster year of fundraising in 2023.
In comparison, the DNC and Biden campaign have established a substantial funding base, with $117 million in cash on hand as they enter 2024. The Biden campaign has continuously surpassed its own records for grassroots funding for four consecutive months.
According to a memo released on Wednesday by DNC executive director Sam Cornale, it is evident that donors are not convinced by the offerings of the RNC. The RNC is facing numerous challenges, including dire financial situation, poor fundraising efforts, extensive layoffs, and a series of damaging electoral defeats. As a result, the RNC is struggling to keep its head above water and is unable to establish a successful campaign for the upcoming general election.
