Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, has taken on the role of co-chair at the Republican National Committee (RNC), with a focus on ensuring Trump’s re-election in 2024. She has quickly made changes to the committee, aligning it more closely with Trump’s brand of politics. This includes firing longtime staffers and forming alliances with election deniers and conspiracy theorists, which some Republicans worry may harm the party’s ability to support candidates beyond the presidential race.
Despite concerns about the RNC’s focus on Trump’s campaign, Lara Trump has emphasized the importance of supporting candidates at all levels. She has defended her leadership by pointing to her experience working on Trump’s previous campaigns and her commitment to the Republican Party’s goals. Additionally, she has been successful in increasing fundraising efforts for the RNC, which is crucial for Trump’s re-election bid given the legal fees he faces due to ongoing criminal and civil cases.
Under Lara Trump’s leadership, the RNC has seen a significant increase in fundraising, with donations going primarily towards Trump’s re-election efforts. By merging the GOP and Trump campaign operations, Lara Trump and RNC Chair Michael Whatley aim to streamline efforts to elect Republicans at all levels of government. However, some former RNC staffers express concerns that the committee is not prioritizing building a county-by-county operation to support down-ballot candidates.
Lara Trump’s willingness to embrace conservative groups with fringe beliefs has raised eyebrows, particularly her support for election deniers and the promotion of conspiracy theories. She has also expressed a desire to work with groups that have a history of controversial statements and actions. Additionally, Lara Trump has advocated for mail-in voting, a tactic that Trump has criticized in the past, prompting questions about the RNC’s strategy for the 2024 election.
As Lara Trump continues to make appearances on conservative media outlets and podcasts, her leadership style and messaging have come under scrutiny. While she has been praised by Trump supporters for her charisma and work ethic, some critics argue that her confrontational approach may alienate moderate voters. Despite the controversy surrounding her leadership, Lara Trump remains committed to supporting Trump’s re-election bid and defending his legacy within the Republican Party.
Looking ahead to a possible second term for Trump, Lara Trump has painted a picture of a combative and aggressive administration, describing it as “four years of scorched earth.” Her rhetoric has resonated with Trump’s base but may present challenges in appealing to more moderate voters. As the RNC prepares for the 2024 election, Lara Trump’s leadership will continue to influence the party’s direction and approach to campaigning.
