00:00 In a surprising move, former US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind
00:07 his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, for a leadership role in the Republican National Committee
00:12 or RNC.
00:13 According to an announcement from Trump's campaign on Monday night, the former president
00:18 proposed that Lara Trump, who is a former television producer and wife to his son Eric,
00:24 become the co-chair of the RNC alongside Michael Whatley.
00:28 Michael Whatley is the committee's general counsel.
00:31 Trump's endorsement of Lara Trump is seen as an attempt to further solidify his influence
00:36 over the Republican Party, especially as the 2024 nominating contest continues.
00:42 Donald Trump said, "My very talented daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, has agreed to run as the RNC co-chair.
00:50 Lara is an extremely talented communicator and is dedicated to all that MAGA stands for."
00:55 Trump described Michael Whatley as a dedicated supporter, emphasising his commitment to election
01:00 integrity despite Whatley's alignment with Trump's false claims about the 2020 presidential
01:06 election.
01:08 Alongside Lara Trump and Michael Whatley, Trump announced Chris Lasiveta to take on
01:13 the role of RNC Chief Operating Officer or COO responsible for managing the committee's
01:17 day-to-day operations in preparation for the 2024 election.
01:22 If Lara Trump assumes the position, this move would consolidate Donald Trump's control
01:27 over the Republican campaign apparatus.
01:29 Both Lara Trump and Michael Whatley hail from North Carolina, a state Democrats view as
01:34 a potential battleground in the upcoming presidential election.
01:38 In related news, current RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel is reportedly considering stepping
01:43 down from her position.
01:45 Sources indicated that McDaniel has informed Trump of her intention to vacate the position
01:50 following the South Carolina Republican primary on February 24, where Trump aims to secure
01:55 an embarrassing defeat for the state's former governor, Nikki Haley.
02:00 McDaniel, who has led the RNC since 2017, has faced criticism over the party's lacklustre
02:06 electoral performances and fundraising difficulties.
02:09 The RNC raised $87 million in 2023, ending the year with $8 million in cash on hand,
02:16 significantly less than the Democratic National Committee's $20 million in the bank after
02:21 raising $120 million.
02:23 The Democratic National Committee, along with President Joe Biden's campaign and supporting
02:28 committees, amassed a $117 million war chest.
02:31 In comparison, Trump's campaign ended the year with $33 million.
02:36 As the 2024 political landscape takes shape, the battle for control over the RNC intensifies,
02:42 setting the stage for a contentious and closely watched election year.
03:05 [MUSIC PLAYING]
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