RNC Chair Rhona McDaniel Offers to Step Down

RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel has expressed her willingness to step down from her position following the upcoming South Carolina primary, paving the way for former President Donald Trump to appoint his preferred leaders within the party. A source familiar with the matter revealed that McDaniel has already discussed her resignation plans with Trump.

The decision to resign comes amid escalating tensions between Trump, the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, and the RNC.

In recent days, the former president's team has quietly suggested potential replacements for McDaniel.

Michael Whatley, chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, and Drew McKissick, chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, are among the names being considered by Trump's team in internal discussions.

Another potential candidate is Florida state Sen. Joe Gruters, a staunch supporter of Trump for an extended period. One source privy to internal discussions mentioned Gruters as a possibility.

Trump had previously endorsed both Gruters and Whatley for positions within the RNC, but both candidates were unsuccessful in their respective bids.

On social media, Trump announced on Monday his intention to decide on his recommendations for "RNC Growth" the day after the South Carolina Primary, signaling his clear intent to play a more direct role in reshaping the committee.

This announcement followed a more than two-hour meeting between Trump and McDaniel at his Mar-a-Lago resort, described as cordial by two sources briefed on the discussion.