Trump's GOP: Party Further Tightens Tie To Former President

Republican officials gathering for the RNC's winter meeting devoted considerable energy to disciplining Trump's rivals and embracing his grievances.

In 2016, Donald Trump overtook the Republican National Committee through a shock and awe campaign that stunned party leaders. In 2020, the party was obligated to support him as the sitting Republican president.

Heading into 2024, however, the Republican Party has a choice.

The RNC, which controls the party's rules and infrastructure, is under no obligation to support Trump again. In fact, the GOP's bylaws specifically require neutrality should more than one candidate seek the party's presidential nomination.