Former President Donald Trump greets supporters following speaking at an election night watch party at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on March 5, 2024.
Ronna McDaniel, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, stepped down from her role Friday as Donald Trump looks to reshape the party now that he is its presumptive presidential nominee.
“It is a little bit bittersweet to be with all of you here today as I step down as chair following seven years of working with you all,” McDaniel said at the committee’s spring meeting.
Following McDaniel’s resignation, members are set to quickly elevate Trump’s endorsed candidates – North Carolina GOP chairman Michael Whatley and the former president’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump – to serve as the organization’s new chair and co-chair, respectively. Neither face any challengers Friday.
Lara Trump will succeed outgoing RNC co-chairman Drew McKissick.
The former president is also planning to install two of his senior advisers, Chris LaCivita and James Blair, to serve in senior positions at the RNC. LaCivita is expected to take on the role of the committee’s chief operating officer, while Blair will help drive the RNC’s political strategy. Both will continue in their roles as advisers to Trump’s 2024 campaign.
This leadership shakeup is more than just a