Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump and his handpicked choice to help lead the Republican National Committee (RNC), suggested that Republican voters would support the idea of the RNC paying for Donald Trump’s legal fees, which have reached half a billion dollars. She believes that GOP voters see the legal cases against Trump as political persecution and would support using party funds to help him. Trump has not yet become the Republican nominee for the presidential primary, but has publicly called for the removal of the current RNC leaders and proposed Lara Trump as co-chair.
Lara Trump emphasized that having a Trump family member in leadership at the RNC would build trust among GOP voters. She stated that her loyalty is to her father-in-law and she would ensure that funds are used properly, focusing on causes such as electing Trump as president in November, growing the Republican majority in the House, and winning back control of the Senate with “America first candidates.” While current RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel has agreed to hold off on any changes until after the South Carolina primary, it is expected that changes may be formalized later in the spring.
The proposal for Lara Trump to serve as co-chair of the RNC has raised questions about how an emboldened Donald Trump would exert his influence on the party. Trump has a history of getting involved in down-ballot Republican primary races and endorsing opponents of Republicans he deems disloyal. Lara Trump stated that if she were to become co-chair, her loyalty would be to her father-in-law, but she believed the RNC would continue its policy of staying neutral in primary contests, while supporting the Republican nominee for president.
Despite Trump’s claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election, which his own Justice Department and multiple courts have refuted, Lara Trump emphasized that the RNC would focus on ensuring every effort is made to win the election for Trump. She mentioned early voting and ballot harvesting as strategies the party has already begun to push. While the proposed leadership change at the RNC may signify a shift in the party’s direction under an emboldened Trump, Lara Trump indicated that the organization would remain neutral in primary contests but support the Republican nominee for president, which she believes will be Donald Trump.
In conclusion, Lara Trump’s remarks highlight the potential influence of the Trump family within the Republican Party and the ongoing support for Donald Trump among GOP voters. The suggestion of using RNC funds to pay for Trump’s legal fees reflects a belief among supporters that he is facing unjust persecution. The proposed changes in RNC leadership and focus on winning the presidential election signal a continued alignment with Trump’s agenda within the party.
