The Republican National Committee has responded to a letter of withdrawal from former President Trump demanding that the RNC and other GOP campaign committees stop using his name and likeness in their fundraising materials.
The RNC told the ex-president’s attorney that it “has every right to refer to public figures when engaging in core First Amendment protected political speech.” The RNC’s response was first reported by Politico.
RNC attorney Justin Riemer claimed the party would continue to refer to public figures, and he stated that Mr Trump had in fact confirmed with RNC chairman Ronna McDaniel this past weekend that he was using his name by the RNC to raise money. The RNC continued to use Mr. Trump’s name in its correspondence, including an email on Sunday urging supporters to “DEFEND President Trump’s America First Policy.”
Last week, Politico reported that Mr. Trump’s attorneys were sending strike letters to the RNC, the National Republican Congressional Committee, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee for – according to them – using his name in collecting merchandise and emails. Other “fake PACs” who also used Mr. Trump’s name also received letters.
In the letter to the RNC, the committee was asked to “immediately cease and cease the unauthorized use of President Donald J. Trump’s name, image and / or likeness in all fundraising, conviction and / or speech”.
The Trump campaign and the RNC’s joint fundraising committee, Trump Victory, raised $ 366 million in 2019 and 2020. In his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Mr. Trump encouraged donors to donate to his new PAC, Save America, who compete with other GOP groups for cash.
“There is only one way to contribute to our efforts to elect America’s first Republican Conservatives and in turn make America great again and that is through Save America PAC and DonaldJTrump.com,” said Mr. Trump. He echoed the fundraising campaign in a statement Monday night, saying, “No more money for RINOS (Republican name only). They’re not hurting the Republican Party and our major voting base – they’ll never lead us to Greatness.”
His attempt to control the use of his image leads to a competition with the GOP for donations that could give Trump more power to reshape the Republican Party into his image. While their interests align in many cases, the former president and Republicans could clash in the primaries. The RNC does not take a stand in primaries, and the Senate and House GOP campaign weapons are likely to support all incumbent GOP, although their level of support may vary.
But Mr Trump has already indicated that he is out for revenge and is looking for people to challenge the Republican lawmakers who voted to impeach him earlier this year. He has already backed Max Miller, a former aide who is committed to firing Ohio Congressman Anthony Gonzalez, one of ten House Republicans who voted to impeach Mr. Trump.
“Get rid of them all,” said Mr. Trump during his CPAC address, referring to the Republicans facing impeachment.