Changes Ahead: Trump Warns of RNC Shake-up

Former President Donald Trump has issued a warning to the Republican National Committee’s chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, hinting at potential changes within the organization.

In an interview on Fox News Channel's Sunday Morning Futures, Trump acknowledged McDaniel's initial success running Michigan and her performance at the RNC. However, he suggested that changes may be on the horizon. Trump's comments come amidst criticism from some Trump allies, including Turning Point, who made an unsuccessful bid to oust McDaniel last year.

When queried about the party's financial status, Trump expressed confidence in his personal wealth and asserted that the focus should shift towards improving the RNC. Campaign disclosures released recently revealed that the RNC has only $8 million in the bank with a debt of $1 million.

To clarify his role, Trump emphasized that he is separate from the RNC and is uninvolved in its operations.

This development arises as Trump and his supporters urge the party to rally behind his candidacy, effectively ending the primary race. Despite facing a formidable opponent in his former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Trump remains determined to secure the nomination.

McDaniel faced backlash last month for suggesting that Haley had no chance of securing the nomination following Trump's victory in the New Hampshire primary. She maintained that unity around Trump as the eventual nominee was essential. Allies of Trump even attempted to have the RNC declare him the "presumptive nominee," but the initiative was withdrawn after Trump voiced opposition.

The RNC has yet to respond to requests for comment on Trump's remarks.

Republicans Unite Behind Defeating President Biden

At the recent RNC winter meeting in Las Vegas, Ronna McDaniel, who was reelected for a fourth two-year term, called for unity within the party to achieve the goal of defeating President Joe Biden. Quoting Ronald Reagan, McDaniel emphasized the importance of Republicans sticking together just as they fought to preserve the unity of the nation.

While former President Trump and the RNC collaborated closely during the 2020 election, they have found themselves at odds on several issues this time around. Trump declined to sign the party's loyalty pledge, opted out of participating in any sanctioned primary debates, and has continued to voice doubts about early and mail-in voting. Meanwhile, the RNC is actively promoting their "Bank Your Vote" initiative, which aims to encourage widespread participation in elections.

During the interview, Trump urged the party to rally behind him and even claimed that Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, who has been critical of him since he left office, is considering endorsing him. Trump stated confidently, "I think Mitch McConnell wants to endorse me; that's what I hear. Everybody's getting in line. They're all getting on board."

At the time of writing, representatives for McConnell have not commented on this claim. McConnell has maintained his stance of remaining neutral during the primary, but he has previously stated that he would support the eventual nominee of the party.