RNC infighting over Joe Gruters spending audit request tests Donald Trumps influence ahead of 2028

A dispute inside the Republican National Committee is growing into an open fight over chair Joe Gruters. Several members are pushing for a forensic review of RNC spending. Others want Gruters removed before the January winter meeting in Arizona. The White House is warning it could limit fundraising support if dissent continues.

Representative image

The struggle could shape the 2028 Republican nomination process. It also marks an unusual test of President Donald Trump’s influence. The party suffered its worst midterm showing in a generation. Even so, many Republican leaders in Washington have stayed aligned with Trump and key policies.

Republican National Committee leadership fight and January vote

The RNC has 168 members elected from every state. A small but growing group is trying to block Trump’s choice to keep Gruters. The rebels are backing KC Crosbie of Kentucky, the RNC’s second-in-command. Crosbie started the challenge in a letter sent two days after the Nov. 3 election.

Crosbie described the midterms as a serious setback. Crosbie also asked for a clear account of what failed. Crosbie declined to be interviewed. Supporters say Crosbie backs Trump and the Make America Great Again agenda. Critics still see the move as a direct challenge to Trump’s control.

RNC member Oscar Brock of Tennessee said the party’s aim should be wider. "Our job is to elect Republicans broadly, not to support one man all the time,\" Brock said. Brock argued leaders must change after the election. Brock said members felt Chairman Gruters did not carry enough responsibility.

Some possible Crosbie supporters are worried about retaliation from the White House. Those concerns rose with Stephen Miller taking over as Trump’s chief of staff. Other members point to tradition, saying presidents often pick party leaders. Yet Crosbie allies argue losses in places like Texas and Mississippi demand change.

Patti Lyman, an RNC member from Virginia, warned against keeping the same team. Lyman said it would be \"catastrophic and insulting\" to act like nothing must change. Sue Cienki, an RNC member from Rhode Island, predicted Crosbie could have 20 backers. That is the minimum for nomination.

Trump response to Republican National Committee challenge

Trump and senior White House officials were angry about Crosbie’s Nov 5 letter. Officials also objected to not being told in advance. Trump then issued a long statement on Truth Social. Trump praised Gruters as a MAGA Warrior. Trump said Gruters had his \"Complete and Total Endorsement.\"

Trump is expected to play a major role in selecting the party’s next nominee. That prospect has raised the stakes in the internal battle. Gruters’ allies say conflict with the White House could weaken organising. They also say it could hurt fundraising. They argue a new team would need time to adjust.

Republican National Committee spending audit calls and disputed expenses

Critics of Gruters are focusing on how the RNC used its funds. Republicans held a large fundraising edge but still suffered major defeats. Brock said support was building for a forensic audit. Gruters addressed concerns in a Thursday night letter obtained by The Associated Press. Gruters accepted there were spending questions.

Gruters defended a USD 22,500 cost for hospitality space at the Presidents Cup golf event. Gruters said the area was used for major donors. Gruters said it helped generate USD 2.5 million in renewed donations. Gruters also discussed a short contract with consultant Caroline Wiles.

Caroline Wiles is the daughter of Susie Wiles, Trump’s former chief of staff. Gruters said former chair Michael Whatley arranged the hire. \"While I have no reason to doubt Caroline Wiles value to the RNC or Chairman Whatleys reasons for bringing her on, this was a brief six-month engagement that ended when I was elected Chairman,\" Gruters wrote.

Gruters also backed payments for hair and make-up for senior White House officials. The list included Trump, Vice President JD Vance and former press secretary Karoline Leavitt. \"This was a request made of us so that the expense did not fall to taxpayers,\" Gruters wrote. Gruters added that officials gave time to help the RNC.

The chair also spent much of the week calling RNC members in private. People on the calls said Gruters heard complaints but offered few specifics. With the leadership vote set for January in Arizona, both camps are trying to lock in support. The outcome will decide whether Gruters stays, and whether an audit push gains traction.

With inputs from PTI