Trump's announcement to change the party's leadership created questions about whether the committee would pay his costs. After Lara Trump indicated last month that she wasn't aware with the party's rules on paying her father-in-law's legal bills but thought Republican voters would approve it, those doubts grew.
Despite inconsistent messages, some RNC members remain dubious. A non-binding resolution by Mississippi Republican committeeman Henry Barbour stated that RNC funding could not be used for Trump's legal bills. Barbour failed to garner RNC support from at least 10 states, killing the resolution.
“People I’ve talked to on the committee privately all agree that donor money needs to be devoted to winning elections, not legal fees,” said Indiana Republican committeeman John Hammond. “I’m sure the committee would appreciate some more assurance and clarification.”
Trump's focus on voter fraud and his disproved assertions about his loss to President Joe Biden are anticipated to be embraced by the new leadership team. Multiple court lawsuits and Trump's Justice Department found no major vote irregularities.
In a 2021 interview, attorney Whatley said Biden “absolutely” was legitimately elected and earned the majority of electoral college votes, avoiding Trump's spin. He added in another interview weeks after the 2020 election that there was “massive fraud.” In subsequent years, his state party has prioritized “election integrity”
Lara Trump wrote to committee members in a letter announcing her candidacy for co-chair that she would focus on battleground states, get out the vote in close races, review the RNC's finances, including all contracts and agreements, and cut spending “that doesn't directly go to winning elections.”
Her father-in-law has prioritized election security, she stated. Lara Trump said Friday, “I’m ready to get to work.” “The goal on Nov. 5 is to win, as my father-in-law says, ‘bigly,’” she said. Trump's GOP takeover resembles other political parties' transition from primaries to general elections. After winning the presidential nomination, candidates usually take over their national party. In particular, Biden controls the Democratic National Committee.
However, some privately worry that Trump is distracting the party with unnecessary turmoil. McDaniel will be replaced Friday after Trump persuaded her to leave. Trump personally selected her in 2017. He supported her reelection every two years until last year.
MAGA leaders increasingly chastised McDaniel for Republican losses in recent years. Republican critics blame Trump, who is unpopular nationwide and vulnerable among suburban and college-educated voters. An AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs poll from December found 58% of U.S. citizens would be dissatisfied if Trump were nominated.
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