Republicans Angry At Lara Trump

Several Republican activists have expressed their disillusionment with the party following Lara Trump’s election as co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC). Lara Trump, the daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump and wife of Eric Trump, assumed her new role during the RNC’s spring training session held in Houston, Texas. This event also marked Michael Whatley’s election as RNC chair, further consolidating Donald Trump’s influence within the party.

Lara Trump’s ascent to co-chair was met with mixed reactions, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). U.S. Army veteran Peter Henlein voiced his discontent, stating that he no longer saw a point in supporting the GOP financially, as he believed his contributions should be aimed at winning elections rather than perpetuating the lifestyle of wealthy individuals. Similarly, Ayden David Marietta, a Generation Z conservative, expressed intentions to redirect his focus towards down-ballot races and pledged to work towards restoring what he viewed as the traditional values of the Republican Party.

Dan Stilwell, a Texan naval veteran, articulated his decision to withhold future donations from the GOP as long as Lara Trump remained involved in its leadership. Such sentiments were echoed by others, including a user named ‘Noaharkmoney,’ who declared their refusal to support the “MAGA GOP” financially in light of Lara Trump’s election.

The backlash against Lara Trump’s appointment also drew attention from groups like Republicans Against Trump, which shared an interview where Lara Trump suggested that Republicans not supportive of her father-in-law’s agenda were unwelcome in the party. This further fueled divisions within the Republican base.

Lara Trump’s elevation to co-chair comes at a time of transition within the RNC, with Michael Whatley taking over the chairmanship from Ronna McDaniel. McDaniel, who initially enjoyed Trump’s support, faced criticism following disappointing election results in 2018 and 2020, as well as underperformance in the 2022 midterms.

Before assuming her new role, Lara Trump stirred controversy by suggesting that RNC funds could potentially be used to cover her father-in-law’s legal expenses. However, Chris LaCivita, a close ally of Trump who recently assumed the role of RNC chief-of-staff, assured that no RNC funds would be allocated for this purpose.

Donald Trump himself faces multiple legal challenges, including criminal cases related to alleged hush money payments, mishandling of classified information, and attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Despite his legal battles, Trump maintains his innocence and insists that the charges against him are politically motivated.

Additionally, Trump has been ordered to pay significant sums in civil cases, including millions in damages to writer E. Jean Carroll for defamation. These legal troubles add another layer of complexity to the political landscape surrounding the Trump family and the Republican Party.