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Ronna’s Chief Of Staff Stepping Down

Ronna’s Chief Of Staff Stepping Down

UPDATE**

Ronna McDaniel, the current chair of the Republican National Committee, may soon be stepping down from her position. According to a report from the New York Times, McDaniel has informed former President Donald Trump that she will resign after the South Carolina Republican presidential primary on February 24th. Sources also stated that Trump intends to promote the North Carolina GOP chair, Michael Whatley, as McDaniel’s successor.

However, an RNC spokesperson has denied this report, stating that “nothing has changed” and that the decision will be made after the South Carolina primary. This primary is the next major contest in the 2024 GOP presidential nominating calendar. McDaniel has been the RNC chair since 2016 and is the longest-serving chair in modern history.

Rumors of McDaniel’s departure come as Trump has been calling for changes and new leadership at the national party committee. On Monday, the former president met with McDaniel at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump referred to McDaniel as a “friend” but also stated that there would likely be changes at the RNC after the South Carolina primary.

In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Trump praised McDaniel’s performance when she ran the Michigan GOP but also stated that there will “probably be some changes made” at the RNC. He reaffirmed this sentiment in a Newsmax interview on Monday, saying that he believes McDaniel “knows” and “understands” that change may be necessary.

Some critics of McDaniel have pointed to the RNC’s poor finances as a reason for her departure. As of the end of 2023, the RNC only had $8 million in cash on hand, significantly less than the Democratic National Committee. However, in January of this year, the RNC had its best monthly fundraising haul of the 2024 election cycle, bringing in $12 million.

McDaniel has also faced criticism for her handling of the party’s debates during the 2024 election cycle. Trump, who is the clear frontrunner for the Republican nomination, refused to participate in these debates, leading to tension between him and McDaniel.

While McDaniel won re-election as RNC chair in January 2021, she has stated that it would be her final two-year term in the role. However, her potential departure has been met with resistance from some RNC committee members who may oppose the promotion of Michael Whatley as her successor.

In a separate development, RNC Chief of Staff Mike Reed announced in an email to committee staff that he will be leaving at the end of the month. Sources familiar with the situation stated that this move has been expected for over a year, as Reed accepted a position with a government relations and public affairs firm.

In his email, Reed expressed confidence in the RNC’s strength and stated that there will likely be changes once a nominee is confirmed. Trump has also stated that he will make his recommendations for “RNC growth” after the South Carolina primary.

The departure of both McDaniel and Reed may signal a reorganization within the RNC as the party prepares for the 2024 election cycle and seeks to strengthen its position against the Democratic Party. With a potential shift in leadership on the horizon, the future of the Republican Party remains uncertain. As of now, all eyes are on the South Carolina primary, where the next steps for the RNC and its potential new leadership may be revealed.

UPDATE

Ronna McDaniel is now saying she may not leave.

Written by Mark Stevens - February 7, 2024