Top officials at the Republican National Committee are refuting claims of a 'litmus test' for current and potential staffers regarding their beliefs about the 2020 election. Reports surfaced earlier this week suggesting that individuals were questioned about their views on election fraud during the 2020 election.
The focus on election fraud has intensified within the RNC, driven by former President Donald Trump's dissatisfaction with the handling of fraud claims during the 2020 election. Despite Trump's assertions, there is no substantial evidence of widespread election fraud in the previous presidential election.
During a press call on Thursday, a senior RNC official dismissed the notion of a 'litmus test,' emphasizing that the questioning aimed to gauge staffers' firsthand perspectives on the 2020 election and how they would approach their roles moving forward. The official clarified that the objective was to assess whether individuals had critically analyzed publicly available information to form their opinions.
While one official denied asking a specific question about the election being rigged, another official acknowledged a broader litmus test based on support for President Trump. Trump has persistently claimed election fraud and alleged that President Joe Biden illegitimately won the election, a narrative that has resonated with many GOP supporters.
Trump's strained relationship with former RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel, stemming from disagreements over fraud allegations, led to leadership changes within the RNC. McDaniel and co-chair Drew McKissick recently stepped down, paving the way for Trump-endorsed successors, Michael Whatley and Lara Trump.
Additionally, Trump appointed two senior advisers, Chris LaCivita and James Blair, to key roles within the RNC. LaCivita assumed the position of chief operating officer, while Blair was tasked with driving the committee's political strategy. Both advisers will continue to support Trump's 2024 campaign.
