Donald Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party was solidified when his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, was appointed as co-chair of the Republican National Committee. Since taking on this role, Lara Trump has been paid a salary of $163,000 annually, with the RNC having paid her $38,000 so far. This move not only strengthens Trump’s control over the GOP but also puts more Republican donor dollars into the hands of the Trump family.
The RNC’s decision to pay Lara Trump this salary has raised eyebrows, especially considering her previous career as a television personality and producer. While the RNC has not commented on this decision, it is clear that Trump’s influence within the party remains strong. In comparison, RNC Chair Michael Whatley earns over $330,000 annually, while the Democratic National Committee pays its chairperson, currently Jaime Harrison, $177,000 a year. This disparity in salaries raises questions about how donor funds are being allocated within the party.
This is not the first time that the Trump family has benefited financially from their involvement in politics. The Trump 2020 campaign paid Lara Trump an annual salary of $180,000, which was funneled through then-campaign manager Brad Parscale’s private company to avoid campaign-finance reporting requirements. Trump’s businesses have also received over $3 million from the RNC since 2016, a significant increase from previous years.
The Trump family’s financial ties to the Republican Party extend beyond Lara Trump, with Donald Trump Jr. also profiting from his involvement. The RNC purchased $400,000 worth of his books in 2019 and 2020, which were then offered to donors. However, it seems that this strategy did not pay off, as there are still copies of the books left four years later. These financial transactions raise further concerns about how donor funds are being used within the party and whether they are being allocated appropriately.
Overall, Lara Trump’s appointment as co-chair of the RNC and her subsequent salary raise questions about the party’s financial practices and the influence of the Trump family within the GOP. With Trump’s continued control over the Republican Party, it is clear that his family members are benefiting financially from their involvement in politics. This raises concerns about transparency and accountability within the party, as well as the potential misuse of donor funds for personal gain. As the party moves forward, it will be important to address these issues and ensure that donor funds are being used responsibly and ethically.
