By — Steve Peoples, Associated Press Steve Peoples, Associated Press By — Jill Colvin, Associated Press Jill Colvin, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trumps-handpicked-party-chair-faces-a-rebellion-as-midterm-losses-challenge-presidents-grip-on-gop Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Trump's handpicked party chair faces a rebellion as midterm losses challenge president's grip on GOP Politics Nov 15, 2026 5:43 PM EST NEW YORK (AP) — A nascent rebellion is underway against President Donald Trump's handpicked chairman at the Republican National Committee, and it's already getting ugly. Some members are calling for a forensic audit of spending decisions, including hair and makeup services for Trump and other officials, as well as the hiring of the daughter of Trump's former chief of staff. Feuding Republicans are leaking emails and opposition research on rival factions. The White House is threatening to cut off fundraising assistance if the rebels don't fall in line. The emerging fight, which will shape the 2028 presidential nominating contest, represents a rare challenge to Trump's dominance, even after the party's worst midterm performance in a generation. Despite the heavy…
Trump's handpicked party chair faces a rebellion as midterm losses challenge president's grip on GOP
In short
The leadership battle between incumbent Joe Gruters and challenger KC Crosbie will be settled by the committee's 168 members during their upcoming January meeting in Arizona. Opponents of current leadership are pushing for a forensic audit into questionable spending, citing expenses such as hair and makeup services along with the hiring of a former chief of staff's daughter. While rival factions exchange opposition research and leaked emails, some members fear potential political retaliation from an administration that now includes Stephen Miller as chief of staff.
Key points
- The committee's 168 members will decide the party's future leadership during their Januar…: The committee's 168 members will decide the party's future leadership during their January meeting in Arizona.
- Despite pledging support for the president's agenda, the challenger's campaign represents…: Despite pledging support for the president's agenda, the challenger's campaign represents an explicit break with White House leadership.
- Internal anxiety persists regarding potential political backlash from an administration f…: Internal anxiety persists regarding potential political backlash from an administration featuring Stephen Miller as chief of staff.