Special Poll
In a notable development, former President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval on Thursday of an effort by some allies within the Republican National Committee (RNC) to declare him the party’s presumptive nominee, a move that would have significant implications for the ongoing primary race. This declaration comes despite Nikki Haley’s continued presence in the primary contest.
Trump took to Truth Social, stating, “While I greatly appreciate the RNC’s intention to make me their PRESUMPTIVE NOMINEE, and although they have more than enough votes to do so, I believe that for the sake of PARTY UNITY, they should NOT proceed with this plan. I intend to complete the nomination process the ‘Old Fashioned’ way, winning it AT THE BALLOT BOX.”
This announcement comes as a setback to efforts led by David Bossie, a former Trump campaign aide and RNC committee member, who had been pushing for a resolution to make Trump the presumptive nominee. Such a move would have been unprecedented, effectively ending the primary race after just two contests and sidelining the input of voters, with two candidates still actively campaigning.
Trump, having secured 32 of the 1,215 delegates needed for the GOP nomination, remains focused on clinching the nomination through the traditional process. This approach would also open up new joint fundraising opportunities between his campaign and the RNC.
As Trump and his supporters shift their attention towards the general election race against President Biden, Haley, who trailed behind Trump in both the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary, remains committed to her campaign. She is gearing up for upcoming events in South Carolina, her home state, where she faces a significant polling deficit against Trump before the February 24 primary.