Insider Look: Exclusive RNC Memo Reveals Merger Plans with Trump Campaign

Republican National Committee members recently received a three-page memo from Chairman Michael Whatley. The memo discusses the RNC's merger with the Trump campaign.

This announcement comes shortly after former President Donald Trump secured the GOP nomination. It also follows the handover of leadership to Donald Trump's chosen team almost a week ago.

The RNC is merging operations with the Trump campaign as per tradition and applicable law. According to Whatley, this move signifies a united operation and a united front.

Whatley and Lara Trump, who is the former president's daughter-in-law, were elected as the new chair and co-chair without facing any challengers on March 8. The memo emphasizes the committee's key priorities, with a particular focus on addressing claims of election fraud.

"Our focus this election cycle is on ensuring election integrity. We will be challenging voter identification and signature verification rules that were implemented for the 2020 election. The RNC is taking a new approach to this litigation, aiming to make voting easy and cheating difficult," stated Whatley.

Trump supported Whatley, former North Carolina Republican Party chairman, due to his dedication to investigating election fraud claims, as reported by CNN.

Whatley has made new hires, including a group of lawyers who will work on election fraud claims. This announcement follows the recent layoffs of several RNC staffers, including key officials in communications, politics, and data, highlighting the committee's struggles with fundraising.

In addition, Whatley's memo mentioned that the RNC intends to maintain its community centers and continue the Bank Your Vote program.

The RNC is prioritizing organizing in communities that are not typically Republican to showcase the shortcomings of the Biden administration's policies. Contrary to rumors, there are no plans to shut down community centers. Instead, we are actively implementing initiatives to expand our support base and create more opportunities to connect with the American people, utilizing all available resources for our voters to participate in elections.

Additionally, the RNC has finalized a joint fundraising agreement with the Trump campaign and has appointed a data liaison to collaborate with other Republican committees and state parties.

"Lara Trump and I, as RNC Co-Chair, understand the challenges that lie ahead. Our focus is on working hard every day. It is crucial within our organization to ensure that every dollar is dedicated to one goal: winning. This means winning House seats, winning Senate seats, and ultimately winning the Presidency," Whatley expressed.

This report was contributed to by CNN's Piper Hudspeth Blackburn, Kristen Holmes, and Marshall Cohen.

Editor's P/S:

The Republican National Committee's merger with the Trump campaign is a significant development that reflects the party's continued alignment with the former president. While this move may further consolidate support among Trump's loyal base, it raises concerns about the RNC's independence and ability to effectively challenge Democratic candidates. The focus on addressing claims of election fraud, as outlined in Chairman Whatley's memo, further highlights the ongoing polarization within the Republican Party and its unwillingness to accept the results of the 2020 election.

Moreover, the RNC's struggles with fundraising and the recent layoffs of key staff members indicate internal challenges that may hinder its ability to effectively support Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. It remains to be seen how the merger with the Trump campaign will impact the RNC's financial and organizational structure, and whether it will ultimately benefit or harm the party's prospects in future elections.