Mass Layoffs Ordered at RNC as Trump Aides Take Over
TL/DR –
After allies of former President Donald Trump assumed control of the Republican National Committee, mass layoffs were implemented, leading to over 60 officials, including senior staff, leaving their posts or being asked to reapply for their positions. The rapid changes have led to a restructuring of the party, with plans to move the full finance and digital teams to Florida where Trump’s campaign is based, effectively merging the party and Trump’s operations. Additionally, some Republicans have expressed concerns that the former president may use committee funds to cover his legal bills.
Mass Layoffs Hit Republican National Committee Amid Trump’s Takeover
In the aftermath of Donald J. Trump’s allies seizing control of the Republican National Committee, mass layoffs have been imposed on the party. Over 60 officials, including senior staff members, have been discharged or asked to resign and reapply for their posts. The cuts have significantly reduced the party’s apparatus ahead of the November election. Reportedly, the R.N.C. has around 200 personnel on payroll with roughly 120 at its Capitol Hill headquarters. Notedly, the heads of the communications, data and political departments were among those let go.
Following the unanimous election of Michael Whatley, a Trump confidant, and Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, as the committee’s chair and co-chair, these changes were inevitable. Trump’s top campaign adviser, Chris LaCivita, has been appointed as the chief operating officer, presiding over party operations.
The decision to purge the R.N.C. staff was first announced by Politico. The full finance and digital teams are now planned to be relocated to Palm Beach, Fla., the base of the Trump campaign. The party and Trump operations, according to a source, are being essentially merged into one.
As part of the changes, all staff members who were asked to reapply received an email from Sean Cairncross, a former top R.N.C. official who recently returned to the committee. In a hastily drafted message, Cairncross confirmed that certain staff had been requested to resign and reapply. The R.N.C. shake-up signifies Trump’s increased influence over the Republican Party and its institutions.
After its leadership change, drastic changes were expected for the R.N.C. LaCivita told reporters that the R.N.C. would look very different soon. There is also a growing concern within the party that Trump will use committee funds to cover his legal bills. A move reportedly favored by the party voters and Ms. Trump.
Former primary candidate Nikki Haley has criticized Trump’s control over the party, suggesting he would use the national committee as a personal fund for legal cases. On the other hand, pro-Trump organizations like Turning Point USA have applauded the layoffs, describing it as a positive move for the R.N.C.
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