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The former president had already made his position clear earlier this month. “MAGA Warrior Joe Gruters, who has been with us from the very beginning, is running to become the next Chairman of the Republican National Committee,” Trump wrote on social media, giving Gruters “my Complete and Total Endorsement.”
Michael Whatley, who Gruters is replacing, only recently took control of the RNC after Ronna McDaniel stepped down in 2024 following reported tensions with President Trump. Whatley, however, is leaving the top GOP post behind to run for U.S. Senate in North Carolina after longtime Sen. Thom Tillis announced his retirement.
In a farewell statement, Whatley credited the committee’s work in helping fuel Trump’s resurgence. “Because of the incredible work of every member of the RNC, we had front-row seats to the greatest political comeback in American history,” Whatley wrote.
He continued, “After receiving a call from President Trump, I am proud to announce that I am stepping down from the RNC as chair, and going back to the old North state. With President Trump’s complete and total endorsement, I am running to be the next senator from the state of North Carolina.”
Even in his departure, Whatley made sure to emphasize Trump’s continued influence over the party. “President Trump has wholly endorsed Joe Gruters to serve as our next RNC chairman. Joe is a true conservative fighter, and he’s been a steadfast ally of President Trump’s since day one,” he added.
Gruters takes the reins of the RNC with a significant advantage. The committee currently holds an impressive $80 million in cash on hand, more than five times the amount the Democratic National Committee has available.
“Listen, we’re in great shape from a financial standpoint because of Michael Whatley, because our chairman has been grinding and has been doing fundraising meeting after fundraising meeting,” Gruters noted during Friday’s meeting.
This financial war chest gives Republicans a massive head start heading into the next election cycle, especially as Democrats continue to struggle with fundraising.
While Gruters enjoys Trump’s full support, one potential challenge lies ahead: his rocky relationship with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The two Republicans have clashed in the past on several issues. If DeSantis were to throw his hat back into the presidential race, he may find himself up against a party apparatus now partially led by someone who has been at odds with him.
For now, however, Trump’s allies are celebrating another victory inside the GOP. With Gruters in charge, the RNC remains firmly in the hands of the MAGA movement as Republicans prepare for what could be one of the most consequential elections in American history.
