Former Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Ronna McDaniel on Sunday defended her successor’s decision to funnel donations through a PAC that has been paying for former President Trump’s legal bills.
McDaniel, who stepped down as chair earlier this month, said in an NBC “Meet the Press” interview with Kristen Welker that donors should be able to use their money for the former president’s legal fees.
She agreed with the plan “as long as the donors know that that’s what they’re doing.”
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“If [supporters] feel strongly to support his legal bills, then they have every right to do so,” she said. “And I think he’s being very open that they’re helping with his legal bills.”
The change in donation allocation, announced Friday, is backed by the new RNC leadership group, which includes Lara Trump, the former president’s daughter-in-law.
All incoming funds will first be sent to the Trump campaign, per the agreement, with the money then going to Save America PAC after the donation maximum is reached, with the remaining left for the RNC.
Some RNC members expressed concerns about the idea, noting the committee’s poor fundraising record and lack of funds, as well as ethical questions about directing political donations toward legal fees. A movement to stop the plan failed earlier this month.
The RNC cleaned house this month, reportedly firing dozens of staffers after turning over its entire leadership structure, effectively turning the organization into an arm of the Trump campaign.