A draft resolution circulating within the Republican National Committee (RNC) is causing a stir as it proposes to formally declare Donald Trump as the party’s presumptive nominee for the 2024 presidential election.
This move, while not immediately granting Trump the nomination, would provide him with access to crucial resources and support from the RNC, signaling a departure from the party’s historical approach to the nominating process.
The resolution, put forward by David Bossie, an RNC committeeman from Maryland who recently endorsed Trump, is currently under review by the committee.
The proposed resolution unequivocally states, “RESOLVED that the Republican National Committee hereby declares President Trump as our presumptive 2024 nominee for the office of President of the United States.”
Former President Donald J. Trump (Credits: Dustin Franz for The Washington Post/Getty Images)
If approved, this declaration would open the door for Trump to utilize the RNC’s data infrastructure, benefit from fundraising efforts, and enjoy the backing of the committee’s ground operations.
This move represents a significant shift in the party’s strategy, as traditionally, the RNC maintains a neutral stance during the primary season, offering support to the eventual nominee rather than intervening in favor of a specific candidate.
The resolution, if accepted, would be a clear indication of the RNC actively endorsing Trump over other contenders, including former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
The proposal comes on the heels of Trump’s victories in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, where he secured a decisive win over Haley.
These triumphs have led many prominent figures within the Republican Party to rally around Trump and call for Haley to step aside. Earlier this week, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel emphasized the need for unity around the eventual nominee, asserting that it is Donald Trump.
The Haley campaign downplayed the significance of the resolution, emphasizing that Republican voters across the country should determine the party’s nominee rather than a group of Washington insiders.
The campaign also challenged McDaniel to organize a debate in South Carolina, suggesting that Trump might struggle in a prolonged stage appearance with Nikki Haley.
The resolution is expected to be a topic of discussion during the RNC’s winter meeting in Las Vegas next week. Current RNC rules stipulate that Trump must secure 1,215 delegates to officially become the party’s nominee.
As of Thursday, estimates suggest that Trump has 32 delegates, while Haley has 17. The proposed resolution is likely to fuel further debates among RNC members during upcoming meetings, shaping the trajectory of the party’s approach to the 2024 presidential nomination.
