A draft resolution from the Republican National Committee (RNC), aiming to formally designate Donald Trump as the presumptive 2024 nominee, was withdrawn amid objections from the former president. The resolution, introduced by David Bossie, an RNC committeeman from Maryland, gained initial approval from the Trump campaign. However, Trump, later opposing it, emphasized party unity, expressing a desire to determine the nominee through the ballot box.
Potential backlash arose from concerns that the resolution might be perceived as an effort to favor Trump over other candidates, particularly Nikki Haley. The former president, even if the resolution had passed, would still need to meet delegate requirements. Approval would grant Trump access to RNC resources, data operations, and fundraising support, opposing Haley in an unusual departure from past party approaches.
The draft resolution stated, “RESOLVED that the Republican National Committee hereby declares President Trump as our presumptive 2024 nominee.” However, an RNC spokesperson clarified it was a resolution, not the committee’s official stance.
Haley’s campaign downplayed the resolution, urging RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel to organize a debate ahead of the South Carolina primary. Despite the dismissal, the campaign later fundraised off the resolution, emphasizing Haley’s commitment to winning.
Recent wins in Iowa and New Hampshire have solidified support for Trump, leading prominent Republicans to rally around him. The RNC’s current rules mandate Trump to secure 1,215 delegates to officially become the party’s nominee, with CNN estimating him at 32 delegates and Haley at 17.
