Former President Donald Trump has officially announced his endorsement for the next chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), with a surprising nod towards his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, as co-chair. In a statement released late Monday, Trump backed Michael Whatley, current chair of the NCGOP, praising his instrumental role in securing victory in North Carolina during the 2020 campaign and his steadfast commitment to election integrity.

Trump emphasized the critical role of the RNC in the upcoming presidential election, urging flawless execution of duties including ensuring fair and transparent elections and vigorous voter outreach. He expressed confidence in Whatley’s abilities, stating, “I think my friend Michael Whatley should be the RNC’s next leader. Michael has been with me from the beginning, has done a great job in his home state of North Carolina, and is committed to election integrity.”

The former president also lauded Lara Trump’s communication skills and dedication to the MAGA movement, endorsing her as RNC Co-Chair, affirming, “My very talented daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, has agreed to run as the RNC Co-Chair. Lara is an extremely talented communicator and is dedicated to all that MAGA stands for.”

Describing the trio of Whatley, Lara Trump, and himself as highly talented and battle-tested, Trump gave his full endorsement for them to lead the RNC, ensuring proper utilization of funds. The announcement follows Ronna McDaniel’s decision to step down as RNC chair after a private meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, suggesting a shift in the party’s leadership dynamics.

“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. That means helping to ensure fair and transparent elections across the country, getting out the vote everywhere – even in parts of the country where it won’t be easy – and working with my campaign, as the Republican presumptive nominee for President, to win this election and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” emphasized President Trump.

The leadership change comes amidst financial challenges for the RNC, which reported its lowest cash reserves since 2014. While some major donors have hesitated to support a Trump-aligned RNC, Trump maintains a significant edge over President Joe Biden in grassroots fundraising. This move underscores Trump’s continued influence within the Republican Party and sets the stage for his preferred candidates to take the helm of the RNC.