Former Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said Sunday that she does not agree with former President Donald Trump’s plan to release those accused and tried in the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol.
“Do you agree with Trump saying he will release the accused? asked NBC News’ “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker.
“I don’t think people who commit violence on January 6th should go free,” McDaniel responded.
McDaniel added that “the violence that happened on January 6 is unacceptable.”
“It doesn’t represent our country,” McDaniel said.
“If you attacked our Capitol and … were convicted, that should stand,” he said.
Still, McDaniel said, “I don’t hold back [Trump] He is responsible for the attack on the Capitol on January 6.
Former RNC Chair indicted Michigan joins Trump in pressuring election officials Not to endorse the 2020 presidential election there.
On Sunday, he said Biden had won “fair and square” and said “he is the legitimate president.”
The statement marks a stark reversal from last year’s CNN interview with Chris Wallace, who refused to say the election was fair and that “there are a lot of problems in 2020.”
“To say there are problems in 2020 and that doesn’t mean he’s not a legitimate president,” he added on Sunday, reiterating his earlier stance.
McDaniel, who is eyeing the 2024 presidential election, said it’s normal for money given to Trump’s joint fundraising committee to go to a group that pays its legal debts as long as donors are informed.
“Is it OK for Donald Trump to ask donors to pay his legal bills?” Welker asked.
“Well, I think that’s what they do, as long as the donors know,” McDaniel replied.
McDaniel emphasized that the donation “cascade” ensures that Save America will continue to be the primary vehicle for Trump’s bills, meaning that neither the Trump campaign nor the RNC will foot the bill for Trump’s legal troubles, which include four criminal convictions. Trump pleaded not guilty.
A portion of donations to the Trump 47 joint fundraising committee will first go to Save America PAC, a group that manages Trump’s legal fees, before being sent to the RNC or state Republican parties. Donation contribution form obtained by NBC News.
McDaniel also faced criticism as RNC chairman to signal earlier this year Trump should be called the Republican Party’s “presumptive nominee” after the New Hampshire GOP primary, only the second GOP nomination contest on the calendar.
On Sunday, he argued that the party was “neutral” during the primary process, referring to last fall’s Republican primary debates, which Trump refused to participate in.
“We had a neutral primary. We’ve had discussions,” he said, adding: “This is very important for our public discussion. Yes, I was neutral. But as I said then, there was no math and no road, and it was true. And that’s why we should strengthen and strengthen behind the candidate.”