Former President Donald Trump supports North Carolina Republican Party Chair Michael Whatley to lead the Republican National Committee, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to the Washington Examiner.
The possibility of a leadership change at the RNC, with Chair Ronna McDaniel potentially stepping down, comes amid growing speculation and tension within the party. Reports indicate that McDaniel could make her exit following the South Carolina Republican primary on Feb. 24.
In an interview that aired Sunday on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," Trump hinted at impending changes: "I would say right now, there'll probably be some changes made." He praised McDaniel's past performance in managing Michigan but suggested the need for new leadership within the RNC.
Despite her reelection in 2023, McDaniel faces opposition within the party, although some members continue to support her. Richard Porter, the national committeeman from Illinois, expressed confidence Saturday in McDaniel's leadership: "I have every reason to believe that Ronna will be the chair until the end of her term," reported The New York Times.
Speculation over McDaniel's future intensified after a source informed Fox News that a leadership change would occur after the South Carolina primaries, with Whatley emerging as Trump's pick due to his stance against election fraud.
Whatley, known for advocating increased election security measures, has been described as a staunch supporter of Trump, continuing to recognize him as the legitimate president even after the 2020 election defeat, according to CNN.
Despite Trump's endorsement, Whatley's ascension to RNC leadership is not guaranteed, as committee members remain divided. McDaniel won reelection with 111 votes last year, with Republican California Committeewoman Harmeet Dhillon emerging as her closest competitor with 51 votes.
The internal divisions within the RNC were highlighted by a recent "alternate RNC meeting," coinciding with the official winter meeting. Organized by Turning Point Action, the event had approximately 70 committee members in attendance, underscoring the fissures within the party.
RNC spokesman Keith Schipper reaffirmed that decisions regarding leadership changes would be made after the South Carolina primaries.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.