Senior figures within the Republican National Committee (RNC) are pushing for Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor, to exit the race for the GOP nomination. The motive behind this move is to establish a joint fundraising committee with Donald Trump, aiming to strengthen the party's financial position, according to sources familiar with the situation.
As of the latest year-end filing, the RNC reported a cash reserve of $8 million, significantly less than its holdings during Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. This financial shortfall raises concerns about the organization's ability to effectively operate in preparation for the upcoming general election against Joe Biden.
The RNC has identified a key challenge in obtaining direct revenue, with small-dollar donors favoring direct contributions to the Trump campaign. Simultaneously, larger institutional donors, who are not supportive of Trump, are more inclined to contribute directly to challengers like Haley.
While the RNC experienced a modest boost with a $12 million intake in January, its leadership has been discussing the strategic necessity for Haley to withdraw from the race. This move would enable the swift establishment of a joint fundraising committee with Trump, allowing wealthier donors to contribute amounts exceeding $800,000.
Technically, the RNC could engage in joint fundraising agreements without Haley's withdrawal, as demonstrated in 2016 when it partnered with Trump before John Kasich dropped out. However, the perception is that without Haley, the RNC could attract her substantial donors who wish to support the party without contributing directly to Trump.
Privately, RNC leaders have expressed no inherent preference for one candidate over the other. Nevertheless, with Trump leading in polls following victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, they view Haley as the probable losing candidate who should exit the race, according to insiders.
Acknowledging the possibility that Haley may not withdraw immediately, the RNC has established a joint fundraising fund called the "Presidential Republican Nominee Fund 2024" to collect and store checks in the interim.
While the RNC is expected to remain neutral, even its chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, hinted at the idea of rallying behind Trump after the New Hampshire primary. The potential collaboration between Trump and the RNC, however, has raised concerns among Trump allies in Florida, who perceive the RNC as too institutional and fear potential backlash from the far-right base.
Trump's strained relationship with RNC chairwoman McDaniel has also come to the forefront, with the former president expressing dissatisfaction with the organization's fundraising efforts. Despite meeting with McDaniel recently, Trump suggested in an interview that she should step down.
The cautious approach within the Trump camp towards the RNC stems from the perception that the organization has not adequately supported Trump's candidacy. Trump advisers have hinted at ambivalence, pointing to the RNC's limited efforts in backing Trump despite public statements of support from McDaniel.
One of the Trump campaign's priorities, the establishment of an election integrity team to prevent perceived election fraud by Democrats, has not seen the desired level of pursuit by the RNC, according to Trump's advisers.