As Donald Trump anticipates formally clinching the Republican nomination, the campaign is already looking ahead to the November general election. Despite the significance of the night, Trump is notably absent from any celebratory events, opting to stay at Mar-a-Lago without hosting a party or making a public appearance. This lack of fanfare is attributed to the campaign's approach of already operating as if Trump is the nominee for the past few weeks.
Looking towards the future, the focus is on expanding the ground game and strategizing for key battleground states. Approximately seven states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada, are identified as tier one battlegrounds. Efforts are underway to collaborate, plan, and leverage the existing infrastructure of the Republican National Committee (RNC).
The recent developments within the RNC reflect a significant shift towards a Trump-centric approach. This week saw a notable transition in leadership, with Trump's preferred candidate, Michael Watley, assuming the role of chair, and Laura Trump, his daughter-in-law, becoming co-chair. The changes signal a complete Trump takeover of the RNC, with reports of staff turnover and concerns among employees about job security.
The loyalist infiltration at the RNC is a common occurrence following a nominee's victory, as seen with Trump being declared the presumptive nominee. While some express apprehension about the extent of the Trump influence, there are hopes that Watley will assert independence in decision-making. However, given his close ties to Trump, the extent of any resistance remains uncertain.
