Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
NPR News

RNC sees major cuts to staff as new, Trump-backed leadership takes over

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

Former President Trump's new lieutenants at the Republican National Committee have begun an overhaul of the organization. The moves are part of efforts to further integrate the RNC with the Trump campaign.

More than 60 people were fired, including senior staff in the political data and communications departments, according to a person familiar with the reports.

The cuts also included local staff that ran the committee's community centers, in African American, Asian and Hispanic communities.

Fired staffers were told they could reapply for their positions.

The changes come just three days after Michael Whatley, a close ally to the former president, replaced outgoing chair Ronna McDaniel as head of the RNC. Lara Trump, the former president's daughter-in-law, was elected as co-chair.

In speech Friday accepting the position, Whatley said the RNC would work "hand in glove" with the Trump campaign. The new COO of the RNC, Chris LaCivita, will continue in his Trump campaign senior adviser role as well, highlighting the closeness of the two entities.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., a close Trump ally, cheered the cuts on social media. She wrote on X: "MAGA is now in control of the Republican Party!!

Sponsored message

Copyright 2025 NPR

Corrected February 25, 2025 at 9:00 PM PST

An earlier version of this story misspelled Marjorie Taylor Greene's last name as Green.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today