Former Republican President Donald Trump has tapped North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley to replace Ronna McDaniel as the Republican National Convention (RNC) chair, according to a statement provided to the Daily Wire.
“The RNC MUST be a good partner in the Presidential election. It must do the work we expect from the national Party and do it flawlessly,” said President Trump, in the statement to Daily Wire.
Trump, who also picked McDaniel to run the RNC, has more recently voiced his desire to see a leadership change. McDaniel’s resignation follows heavy criticism from conservatives and a string of Republican losses.
Last week, the New York Times reported that two people familiar with McDaniel’s plans told them that she had informed Trump that she plans to step down following the South Carolina Republican Primary on February 24.
McDaniel is the longest serving RNC chair in modern history.
Whately was selected because of his strong stance on election integrity, which Trump said will be essential to his possible victory.
“[Whately] has done a great job in his home state of North Carolina, and is committed to election integrity, which we must have to keep fraud out of our election so it can’t be stolen,” said Trump.
Trump also endorsed Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, for the position of RNC co-chair.
“Lara is an extremely talented communicator and is dedicated to all that MAGA stands for. She has told me she wants to accept this challenge and would be GREAT,” said Trump.
Finally, Trump named his preferred choice for Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the RNC, Chris LaCivita.
LaCivita is a former U.S. Marine who currently works as a manager in Trump’s campaign.
