Ronna McDaniel Set to Depart as RNC Chair, Trump Influence Looms Large

In a move that could significantly reshape the landscape of the Republican National Committee (RNC), Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel is reportedly gearing up to vacate her position by the end of this month. Multiple reports suggest that her departure may pave the way for former President Donald Trump to assert his influence over the committee by handpicking her successor.

According to sources cited by The New York Times, McDaniel is laying the groundwork for her exit after the South Carolina primary scheduled for February 24. CNN corroborated this, citing insights from two unnamed party advisers who indicated that McDaniel has already communicated her intentions to Trump.

The looming vacancy at the helm of the RNC has sparked speculation about who might fill the crucial role. The Times suggests that Trump is inclined to throw his weight behind Michael Whatley, the chairman of the North Carolina GOP. Whatley, a vocal advocate for Trump and proponent of the former president’s unfounded claims regarding the 2020 election, emerges as a frontrunner in Trump’s eyes.

However, the selection process is not a mere formality. While Trump may favor Whatley, the ultimate decision rests with the RNC committee members, who will have the final say through a vote. The competition for the position includes other Trump-aligned figures, such as Drew McKissick, chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, and Joe Gruters, a Florida state senator.

Responding to inquiries about McDaniel’s purported departure, RNC spokesperson Keith Schipper maintained a stance of nonchalance, asserting that no changes are imminent and that a decision will be made following the South Carolina primary.

Tensions between the RNC and the Trump camp have been simmering, fueled in part by dissatisfaction with the committee’s fundraising efforts. A recent meeting between Trump and McDaniel at Mar-A-Lago hinted at strained relations, although Trump publicly referred to McDaniel as his “friend” in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. Despite the amicable facade, Trump made it clear that he intends to exert his influence over the RNC’s growth strategy, signaling a potential shake-up in leadership.

In a candid interview with Newsmax, Trump suggested that McDaniel’s departure might be overdue, hinting at underlying discontent within the party. The former president’s remarks underscore the mounting pressure on McDaniel to relinquish her position and make room for a more aligned leadership.

In an unexpected turn of events, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida weighed in on the succession drama by endorsing former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy for the role. Gaetz, who played a role in McCarthy’s ouster from the speakership, praised McCarthy’s fundraising prowess but also took a veiled swipe at him, emphasizing the limited authority of the RNC chair in policymaking and negotiation.

Meanwhile, the RNC’s Chief of Staff, Mike Reed, announced his forthcoming departure, adding another layer of uncertainty to the committee’s leadership structure. Reed’s decision to step down next month, ostensibly to pursue opportunities in the private sector, underscores the fluidity of the situation within the RNC.

Reed’s exit, coupled with McDaniel’s impending departure, raises questions about the committee’s stability and direction moving forward. As the party grapples with internal tensions and external pressures, the selection of the next RNC chair holds significant implications for its trajectory in the post-Trump era.

In conclusion, Ronna McDaniel’s anticipated resignation from her role as RNC chair sets the stage for a potential power shift within the Republican Party, with Donald Trump poised to exert his influence over the selection of her successor. Amidst mounting tensions and leadership vacancies, the party faces a critical juncture in defining its identity and charting its course for the future.