The Republican National Committee on Friday cemented Donald Trump's picks for leadership, including by officially electing his daughter-in-law Lara Trump as co-chair.
The move, an unprecedented installation of a nominee’s direct family member as a high-ranking party leader, confirms the new GOP leadership slate ahead of the 2024 general election.
The RNC also elected Michael Whatley as its new chairman, elevating the North Carolina GOP chair, who has made a name for himself promoting debunked election fraud conspiracy theories.
Whatley replaces RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel, who used her final speech to address reports that she had been forced out of her position due to frustrations from Trump:
“I'm stepping aside today because I have long promised to put the nominee and their plans for the RNC first,” McDaniel said. “Winning the White House back is just too important for me to do otherwise. President Trump deserves to have the team he wants in place at the RNC.”
The RNC also voted to officially recognized Trump as the presumptive Republican nominee for president, solidifying his position in the 2024 general election, days after Nikki Haley, his last major challenger, dropped out of the primary.
