Trump Weighs Major Campaign Shake-Up Over Emerging Disputes

Amid reports of declining campaign momentum, Donald Trump is weighing whether to fire his top campaign managers.

At a Glance

Donald Trump’s new RNC leadership has made significant staffing cuts.
Strategic disagreements and operational misalignments are cited as reasons for potential dismissals.
Major changes were announced during a recent RNC meeting in Houston.
The overhaul aims to integrate Trump’s campaign with the RNC more effectively.

Internal Discord and Strategic Disagreements

Donald Trump is facing significant internal conflict within his campaign. Sources close to the situation reveal that principal campaign managers may soon be dismissed due to strategic disagreements and operational misalignments. These conflicts threaten to undermine the campaign’s effectiveness and its ability to reestablish direction as the election looms.

Trump’s new leadership team at the Republican National Committee (RNC) has executed a major reorganization, cutting dozens of staff across key departments. Over 60 individuals, including senior staff in political, data, and communications positions, were let go. The cuts were confirmed by multiple anonymous sources and reflect an effort to eliminate duplication and streamline operations.

Former President Donald Trump’s momentum feels precarious amidst these internal challenges.

These changes also affected personnel running the committee’s community centers that focus on minority groups. Staffers were notified of their release via email from the new chief operating officer, Sean Cairncross, and were given options to reapply for their positions. Some were asked to leave immediately, while others have until March’s end to vacate their roles.

High Turnover Rates

Trump’s administration has historically seen high turnover rates within key positions. As of January 20, 2021, the turnover rate for the “A Team” stood at a staggering 92%. Serial turnover is also prominent, with 45% of “A Team” positions experiencing more than two occupants. This level of change represents significant disruption and instability within the team managing his campaign efforts.

Ronna McDaniel, the former chair of the RNC, has emphasized the necessity for party unity to succeed against President Joe Biden in the coming election. She warned against internal attacks as detrimental to this goal, signaling the importance of cohesive and coordinated efforts.

Trump aimed for an unprecedented integration between his campaign and the GOP’s political and fundraising apparatus to enhance outreach and effectiveness. Campaign senior adviser Chris LaCivita stated that no RNC funds would be utilized for Trump’s legal fees, echoing a sentiment to focus resources on electoral success.

Broader Political Context

The move to realign Trump’s campaign team comes at a time when the political landscape is charged. President Biden continues his campaign despite significant internal calls for him to step down, highlighted by Representative Jamie Raskin’s defection and decreasing support from major donors. The Democratic Party faces challenges, with more than 27 of its members openly calling for Biden to bow out of the race.

Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign has experienced operational disruptions, notably marked by the recent chaotic rally where shots were fired. This event brought considerable focus to the campaign’s current state.