Trump's team is slashing Republican National Committee staff amid takeover, AP sources say
Donald Trumpโs lieutenants are cutting dozens of staff across the Republican National Committee in a cost-cutting move that further cements the former presidentโs takeover of the GOPโs political and fundraising machinery.
Haley says she no longer feels bound by the GOP pledge requiring her to support the eventual nominee
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley says she no longer feels bound by a pledge that required all GOP contenders to support the partyโs eventual nominee in order to participate in the primary debates.
Lara Trump says she thinks GOP voters would like to see RNC pay Donald Trump's legal fees
Donald Trumpโs daughter-in-law and handpicked choice to help lead the Republican National Committee said she thinks Republican voters would support having the political organization pay the former presidentโs ballooning legal fees.
Trump wants to install new RNC leadership including his daughter-in-law as co-chair
Donald Trump is calling for a leadership change at the Republican National Committee in an attempt to install a new slate of loyalists โ including his daughter-in-law โ at the top of the GOPโs political machine even before he formally secures the partyโs next presidential nomination.
The RNC will meet privately after Trump allies pull resolution to call him the 'presumptive nominee'
The Republican National Committee is meeting behind closed doors in Las Vegas this week, but top party officials will no longer consider a resolution proposed to declare former President Donald Trump the presumptive Republican nominee.
What if Donald Trump is convicted? The 2024 Republican convention rules don't address the issue
The Republican National Committeeโs rules for next yearโs nominating contest and convention have been released, but a major question is unaddressed: Can delegates vote for a different candidate if the partyโs presumptive nominee is convicted of a felony.
Republicans to conduct review after disappointing midterms
The Republican National Committee is moving forward with a new post-election audit designed to examine the GOPโs underwhelming performance in the recent midterms and the partyโs broader struggles since former President Donald Trump rose to power.
Kamala Harris talks abortion, appeals to voters in Milwaukee
Vice President Kamala Harris has met with college students and Latino leaders in Milwaukee during a visit meant to energize voters weeks before an election in which Wisconsin's Democratic governor, Tony Evers, and Republican U.S. senator, Ron Johnson, are on the ballot.
GOP now looks to censure Cheney and Kinzinger, not oust them
Republican officials meeting in Utah have advanced a watered-down resolution that would formally censure Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for their perceived disloyalty to former President Donald Trump but not try to expel them from the party.
RNC threatens to boycott commission's presidential debates
The Republican National Committee says it is planning a rules change that would force presidential candidates seeking the partyโs nomination to sign a pledge saying they will not participate in any debates sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates.
FBI releases new video after bombs left at RNC, DNC offices
In this Jan. 6, 2021 photo, an explosive device is shown outside of the Republican National Committee office in Washington. The FBI has released new video showing someone placing two pipe bombs outside the offices of the Republican and Democratic national committees the night before the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo)WASHINGTON โ The FBI has released new video showing someone placing two pipe bombs outside the offices of the Republican and Democratic national committees the night before the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. โWe are asking for you to come forward and speak to us about any odd or out-of-character behaviors,โ DโAntuono said in a video statement released by the FBI. AdThe placement of the pipe bombs has been particularly concerning for law enforcement as officials continue to secure the Capitol and the number of threats against lawmakers remains high.
Trump, RNC clash over using his name in fundraising
In his first major speech since leaving office, Trump urged his supporters to give their money to Save America, his political action committee, instead of the GOP's traditional fundraising organizations. AdThe House and Senate Republican campaign committees and a Trump spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The RNC and Trump's campaign worked hand-in-hand during the 2020 election, including raising money through a joint fundraising committee. You have been selected as one of the FIRST to be invited to claim your Trump Legacy Membership,โ the RNC wrote in one appeal on Sunday. AdโWe NEED 10,000 patriots who still stand with President Trump before midnight tonight," โURGENT: TRUMP SUPPORTERS NEEDED,โ added the National Republican Senatorial Committee Monday afternoon.
Trump's cash plea could complicate GOP fundraising efforts
โPresident Trumpโs Legacy is in your hands," another pleaded. Before making his money pitch on Sunday, Trump's team quietly updated its fundraising filings. Money raised through Trump's website now goes to Save America JFC, a joint fundraising agreement between the two. Regardless of Trump's next move, the GOP is unlikely to remove him from its sales pitch anytime soon. โOur digital fundraising strategy is simple: raise as much money as possible," said Andrew Romeo, a spokesman for the RSLC.
AP Exclusive: GOP to stay neutral should Trump run again
FILE - In this Nov. 9, 2020 file photo, Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel speaks during a news conference at the Republican National Committee in Washington. The head of the Republican National Committee is declining to encourage former President Donald Trump to run for the White House in 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)NEW YORK โ The head of the Republican National Committee on Wednesday declined to encourage former President Donald Trump to run for the White House in 2024, saying the GOP would stay โneutralโ in its next presidential primary. Iโm not telling anybody to run or not to run in 2024,โ McDaniel told The Associated Press when asked whether she wanted to see Trump run again in the next presidential election. I think itโs dangerous.โMoving forward, she said that voters, not Trump, are the head of the Republican Party, though Trump continues to maintain โa huge, huge presenceโ with his base.
Discovery of pipe bombs in DC obscured by riot at Capitol
An explosive device is shown outside of the Republican National Committee office, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington. Investigators are still examining the devices and their components to determine the specific compounds inside the pipe bombs, but they both appeared to contain an unknown powder and some metal, the officials said. Investigators so far have few clues to go on โ and the chaos from the riot at the Capitol didnโt make their job any easier. Prosecutors described the items as something like โhomemade napalm bombsโ and arrested the truck's owner, Lonnie Coffman of Falkville, Alabama. But they said Coffman is not suspected of leaving the bombs at the Republican and Democratic national committees.
EXPLAINER: How does AP choose which lawsuits to cover?
While The Associated Press has covered the details of many of these lawsuits, it has not written a story on every one. Even before voting began, AP assigned a team of legal reporters to cover litigation in battleground states and to follow those cases through to the end. AP reporters and editors have read every lawsuit and their affidavits to assess which ones are the most newsworthy because of their potential impact on the overall election. As with all stories, AP reporters and editors approach the topic with an open mind, then collect facts and assess them. Remember, hundreds of lawsuits are filed in the United States each day, and journalists use their judgment about which ones merit news coverage.
GOP leader McDaniel to run for 3rd term with Trump's backing
McDaniel was selected by Trump for the role four years ago and he endorsed her for a new term about a week after the Nov. 3 election. That could give the outgoing president additional sway over the party as he ponders his own future, including a potential presidential run in 2024. While she did not repeat Trump's false claims that he won the election, McDaniel said the GOP continues โto fight for President Trump" as he makes legal challenges across the country. Despite Trump's musing about running again in four years, McDaniel pledged to uphold the party's neutrality in primaries. โPresident Trump earned more minority votes than any Republican candidate in decades, and a record number of women, minorities and veterans were elected to office,โ McDaniel wrote.
Trump teases 2024 run at White House Christmas party
WASHINGTON โ President Donald Trump teased running again for president in 2024 as he hosted a holiday reception at the White House. โItโs been an amazing four years,โ Trump told the crowd, which included many Republican National Committee members. It showed dozens of people crammed into the broad Cross Hall of the White House state floor, standing closely together. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Wednesday defended the Trumps' decision to host the parties. Stephanie Grisham, the first ladyโs spokeswoman and chief of staff, had said last month that the White House would be moving forward with events, โwhile providing the safest environment possible."
Michigan Board of State Canvassers votes to certify November election results
DETROIT โ After a long afternoon of public comment and deliberation the Michigan Board of State Canvassers voted to certify the November election results. Details: Michigan Board of State Canvassers certifies Nov. 3 General Election resultsThe Board of State Canvassers, which has two Republicans and two Democrats, confirmed the results on a 3-0 vote with one abstention. โI commend the three members of the State Board of Canvassers who voted to follow the law and certify the 2020 election results today. President-elect Biden won the State of Michigan by more than 154,000 votes, and he will be our next president on January 20th. Today Cox issued a statement reiterating her remarks before the election results were officially certified.
Detroit voters sue President Trump over his attempt to block certification of election results
DETROIT โ Three Detroit voters have joined a local organization in suing President Trump and his campaign over their effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Wayne County Board of Canvassers certifies results despite initial deadlockThe lawsuit comes days after two GOP members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers initially voted not to certify the votes, citing discrepancies in the countyโs numbers. The pair changed their minds again, however, after President Trump called them personally on Tuesday evening after the certification process. Still, some argue that their meeting with the president so close to the stateโs certification meeting is concerning. We expect the State Board of Canvassers to do its job and count the votes.โThe Michigan Board of State Canvassers is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. on Monday.
Republican leaders ask Michigan Board of State Canvassers to delay certification of election results
DETROIT โ Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and Michigan Republican Party Chairman Laura Cox penned a joint letter dated today to the Michigan Board of State Canvassers asking to delay the certification of election results for two weeks. Since the presidential election Republican leaders have made allegations of voter fraud without substantial evidence. The letter was sent only a day after Michigan Republican leaders met with President Donald Trump. After the meeting both leaders issued a joint letter noting that the meeting with the president was on the stateโs fight against COVID-19. @Local4News pic.twitter.com/qUMYjSr35H โ Grant Hermes (@GrantHermes) November 21, 2020My joint letter with @GOPChairwoman to the Members of the Michigan Board of State Canvassers.
RNC to spend at least $20 million on Georgia's Senate races
In this Nov. 2, 2020 photo, Republican candidate for Senate Sen. David Perdue and his wife Bonnie reacts during a campaign stop at Peachtree Dekalb Airport in Atlanta. Republicans are flooding Georgia with cash and field operatives as they look to keep Democrats from seizing control of the Senate under President-elect Joe Bidens administration. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue. โWe need Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue in the Senate, and the RNC is mobilizing our grassroots army to help keep them there."
Money to support Trump court fight could flow to president
The unusual way the Trump campaign is divvying up the contributions has drawn scrutiny from election watchdogs, who say Trump and his family are poised to financially benefit from the arrangement. In a statement, Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh did not address questions about how the incoming donations are split up. โThey could pay (Trump) children consulting fees. Thereโs no personal use restriction.โ(The RNC, not the Trump campaign, did spend almost $100,000 buying copies of Donald Trump Jr.โs book, โTriggered,โ last year.) Legal challenges filed by the Trump campaign have complained that their poll watchers were unable to scrutinize the voting process.
Noem's pitch to aid Trump seems to benefit own campaign fund
Kristi Noem speaks during the third night of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. (Courtesy of the Committee on Arrangements for the 2020 Republican National Committee via AP)SIOUX FALLS, S.D. The Republican governor, a close Trump ally, launched a fundraising campaign soon after the election was called for Biden on Saturday. Ryan, a campaign finance lawyer, pointed out that the governor can give a maximum of $2,800 to Trumpโs campaign under federal law. Trump's solicitation, though billed as raising money for his legal fight, notes that half of contributions will go to pay off general election campaign debt.
Republican-led Michigan House, Senate to hold hearing on vote count Saturday
LANSING, Mich. โ The Michigan State House and Senate Oversight Committees will be in session Saturday to discuss the ballot counting process. Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel was in Oakland County Friday asserting that there are claims that need to be addressed. READ: Michigan House Speaker says GOP will launch vote counting inquiryREAD: Republican National Committee chair calls for investigation into Michigan ballot-counting processREAD: Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson disputes claims by Republican National Committee chair on Michiganโs ballot counting processIssues included complaints about the counting process at the TCF Center. There were also questions on why Antrim County had flipped votes for incumbent President Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden. Every vote that was cast was counted accurately and there is a paper ballot backup," said Rochester Hills city clerk Tina Barton.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson disputes claims by Republican National Committee chair on Michiganโs ballot counting process
DETROIT โ Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson dispute claims made by Republican National Committee chairwoman Ronna McDaniel in regards to Michiganโs ballot counting process. However, the clerk accidentally did not update the software used to collect voting machine data and report unofficial results. In order to report unofficial results, county clerks use election management system software to combine the electronic totals from tabulators and submit a report of unofficial results. In response, Thomas issued a statement saying, โThe accusations are wrong and reveal the person making them doesnโt know Michiganโs election process. The Republican-led Michigan State House and Senate will hold hearings on the โvoting and counting processโ in the state, according to House Speaker Lee Chatfield.
ClickOnDetroit NIGHTSIDE REPORT -- Friday, Nov. 6, 2020
DETROIT โ Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel is calling for an investigation into the ballot-counting process in Michigan. โToday (Friday), we announce the Republican National Committee has deployed legal teams in four states, including Michigan, to investigate vote tabulations in those states,โ McDaniel said in a press conference. 4 Fast FactsBe InformedWith COVID-19 cases rising exponentially in Michigan, local hospitals are starting to fill with new patients. The university announced all housing contracts for undergrads are being canceled for the winter semester. Read MoreThursday, Nov. 5, 2020 --
Republican National Committee chair calls for investigation into Michigan ballot-counting process
DETROIT โ Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel is calling for an investigation into the ballot-counting process in Michigan. โToday (Friday), we announce the Republican National Committee has deployed legal teams in four states, including Michigan, to investigate vote tabulations in those states," McDaniel said in a press conference. This week at the TCF Center in Detroit, Republican poll watchers claimed they were tossed from the building and not allowed to observe the ballot-counting process. Officials have said that individuals from both the Democratic and Republican parties were present during the ballot-counting process at the TCF Center. In response, Thomas issued a statement saying, โThe accusations are wrong and reveal the person making them doesnโt know Michiganโs election process.
Trump fights headwinds as he and Biden battle over Florida
โSo glad this great GDP number came out before November 3rd,โ Trump tweeted, predicting a dire reversal if Biden is elected. Biden was forced to wrap his speech up early at a drive-in rally at the Florida State Fairgrounds In Tampa after a brief shower turned into a torrential downpour. Biden's campaign also announced he will visit Minnesota Friday, hours before Trump holds a rally in one of the few Clinton-voting states Trump is hoping to pick up this year. Associated Press writers Tamara Lush in Tampa, Florida, Michelle Price in Bullhead City, Kathleen Ronayne in Phoenix, and Will Weissert and Brian Slodysko in Washington contributed to this report. ___APโs Advance Voting guide brings you the facts about voting early, by mail or absentee from each state: https://interactives.ap.org/advance-voting-2020/.
Trump, Biden lawyer up, brace for White House legal battle
FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2020 file photo, the White House is shown Monday afternoon, Oct. 5, 2020, in Washington. Both sides are informed by the experience of the 2000 election, which was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court in Bush v. Gore. Thousands of volunteer lawyers are prepared to assist with Election Day operations and poll watching and other issues, Riemer said. A group called Lawyers for Trump, whose advisory board includes Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, is recruiting retired lawyers and law students. But lawyers on both sides say they are preparing to be ready for much more than a fight on Twitter.
GOP invests in boosting Trump with Barrett confirmation
Supporters of President Donald Trump arrive by bus for a Trump campaign rally at Harrisburg International Airport, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, in Middletown, Pa. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)WASHINGTON โ The Republican National Committee is putting Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court confirmation fight front and center with voters just weeks before Election Day. The confirmation battle will be featured in a new $10 million RNC digital ad campaign to encourage battleground state voters to return vote-by-mail ballots or go to the polls. The national party, in concert with President Donald Trump's campaign, is planning local events and protests across the country to support Barrettโs confirmation as well. The RNC on Saturday unveiled a website, ConfirmBarrett.com, to allow supporters to contact lawmakers to urge them to put Barrett on the court. It also anticipates trying to fundraise off the confirmation fight, including Democratic vice president nominee Kamala Harris' position on the Senate Judiciary committee.
Longtime ally to Trump's postal chief was paid by RNC
WASHINGTON โ A former executive who worked in the private sector for Postmaster General Louis DeJoy was recently paid by President Donald Trump's reelection effort, according to a new campaign finance disclosure. His contributions were part of more than $1.7 million that DeJoy and his employees steered to Republican candidates for federal and state office during those years, campaign finance disclosures show. Wos resigned in 2015, which came after a grand jury subpoenaed records from her agency, including her correspondence with Hauck. Dejoy and Wos have been prolific donors to Republican causes for years, including $1.2 million they gave to Trump. Postal Service has also drawn fierce criticism from Democrats, who argue that efficiency measures he implemented were actually an attempt to hamstring mail delivery to benefit Trump's political fortunes.