Top officials at the Republican National Committee are denying reports of a “litmus test” for current and potential staffers regarding their beliefs about the 2020 election being stolen. This comes after CNN reported that staffers were questioned about their views on fraud in the election, although there is no evidence of widespread fraud. The focus on election fraud stems from former President Trump’s dissatisfaction with how the RNC handled claims of fraud in the 2020 election.
A top RNC official emphasized that the questioning was not a litmus test but rather an attempt to assess the perspectives of frontline political staff in battleground states. The questions were meant to gauge whether staffers had reflected on available information over the past four years and how they would approach their roles moving forward. The official stated that they were looking to see if individuals had put any thought into their opinions on what happened in the 2020 election.
Another official denied that a question specifically about the election being rigged was asked and instead stated that the litmus test was whether individuals supported President Trump or not. Trump has continued to falsely claim that the election was fraudulent and that President Biden stole the election, which has become a rallying cry for many GOP voters. Trump’s strained relationship with former RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel led to her stepping down, along with RNC co-chair Drew McKissick. Trump endorsed Michael Whatley and Lara Trump as their successors.
In response to the leadership changes, Trump also installed two of his senior advisers, Chris LaCivita and James Blair, into senior positions at the RNC. LaCivita became the committee’s chief operating officer while Blair was selected to drive the political strategy. Both advisers will also continue in their roles for Trump’s 2024 campaign. The changes in leadership and focus on election fraud reflect Trump’s influence within the RNC and his efforts to ensure that future election strategies align with his beliefs about the 2020 election.
The continued emphasis on election fraud within the RNC and the alignment with Trump’s beliefs illustrate the divide within the party over the legitimacy of the 2020 election. Trump’s insistence on fraud and his influence on the RNC’s priorities highlight the ongoing impact of his presidency on the Republican Party’s direction. The leadership changes at the RNC and the appointment of Trump-aligned figures signal a shift towards a more Trump-centric approach in preparation for the 2024 election, raising questions about the party’s future direction.
