Trump’s RNC takeover would be total 'purge' of non-MAGA Republicans: report
With chair Ronna Romney McDaniel on her way out at the Republican National Committee (RNC), former President Donald Trump is pushing Michael Whatley (who chairs the North Carolina Republican Party) as her replacement. And his recommendation for RNC co-chair is his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump.
In an article published on February 20, Daily Beast reporters Jake Lahut and Reese Gorman stress that Donald Trump and his allies are hoping to "purge" the RNC of non-MAGA Republicans and put a "staunchly MAGA crew" in place. And one of the interviewees told the Beast that although McDaniel won't be missed at the RNC, viewing "Lara Trump as the solution is a joke."
That interviewee, who worked on Donald Trump's 2020 campaign, told the Beast, "She's not there to be an asset to the RNC; she's there to be Trump's eyes and ears."
READ MORE: 'Wrong answer': Ex-RNC chair schools Lara Trump on 'number one responsibility' of GOP organization
According to another Republican operative, "GOP donors are in full panic mode over the possibility of Lara Trump" as RNC co-chair.
That source, also quoted anonymously, told the Beast, "The RNC needs someone who can rack in the dough for Trump. She ain't it."
One of the MAGA Republicans who is calling for a "purge" at the RNC is Steve Bannon, host of the "War Room" podcast and former White House chief strategist in the Trump Administration.
Bannon told the Beast, "I think within 30 days, you'll see a purge of staffers from the RNC, because it's a hotbed for anti-Trumpism. That's the open secret."
READ MORE: Trump wants daughter-in-law to co-chair RNC — but 'didn’t even like her' for 'many years'
According to Daily Beast sources, the "purge" that Donald Trump and his MAGA loyalists have in mind would include not only RNC staffers, but also, 168 committee members and consultants.
A source close to the RNC, quoted anonymously, told the Beast, "I think there will be a whole new 168, and they've been working around the country to make it a full Trump 168. Trump's gonna make his own rules here, and he wants his own people in there."
READ MORE: Why Trumpified RNC 'shakeup' could imperil GOP state committees: report
Read The Daily Beast's full report at this link (subscription required).
