Current and potential staff at the Republican National Committee have reportedly been asked in recent job interviews whether they believe the 2020 election was stolen. This questioning appears to be a litmus test for hiring, with Trump advisers using it as a key focus ahead of the 2024 election. The question has emerged following the merging of operations between the Trump campaign and the RNC. Despite former President Donald Trump’s dissatisfaction with the RNC’s handling of fraud claims in the 2020 election, there is no evidence of widespread fraud in that contest.
RNC spokeswoman Danielle Alvarez stated that candidates who have worked in battleground states or states with prevalent fraud allegations were questioned about their experiences. The RNC seeks staff with electoral expertise and nuanced perspectives on election strategies. Trump advisers have also encouraged potential hires to relocate to West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump’s campaign is based. These new hiring practices align with Trump’s persistent false claims that the 2020 election was marred by fraud, fostering a narrative that President Joe Biden illegitimately won the election.
Following tensions between Trump and former RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel over election fraud claims, two of Trump’s allies, Michael Whatley and Lara Trump, assumed leadership roles within the RNC. Whatley and Lara Trump were elected as chair and co-chair, respectively, with Trump’s endorsement. Additionally, two of Trump’s top advisers, Chris LaCivita and James Blair, have taken on key posts within the RNC to drive political strategy and operations. Their roles extend to advising Trump on his potential 2024 campaign.
Despite McDaniel’s acknowledgment of election security concerns, she has affirmed that Biden won the 2020 election fairly. McDaniel’s stance differs from her previous refusal to accept Biden’s victory and her involvement in pressuring Michigan officials not to certify the election results. McDaniel’s comments led to her dismissal as a political analyst at NBC News due to criticism from the network’s top anchors regarding her attempts to undermine the 2020 election and attack the media. The current dynamic between the Trump campaign and the RNC is described as symbiotic, indicating a close working relationship between the two entities.
Overall, the hiring practices and leadership changes at the RNC reflect Trump’s continued focus on election fraud claims and his efforts to align the organization with his narrative. Trump’s allies now hold key roles within the RNC, signaling a shift in leadership and strategy that prioritizes loyalty to the former president’s agenda. Despite internal tensions and disagreements over election results, the RNC has embraced Trump’s rhetoric on fraud allegations, shaping its approach to future elections and reinforcing Trump’s baseless claims about the legitimacy of the 2020 election.
