Ronna McDaniel, the former chairwoman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), is staging a political resurgence by heading the Michigan Forward Network, a new conservative nonprofit. This move comes after her contentious exit from a short-lived role as an on-air contributor for NBC News. The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that McDaniel's latest endeavor is supported by the prominent DeVos family, known for their significant contributions to conservative causes.
McDaniel's leadership at the RNC concluded in February 2024 amidst pressure from within the party ranks. Her tenure drew criticism over the GOP's lackluster performance in recent election cycles, notably the absence of a "red wave" in the 2022 midterms. The Michigan Forward Network seeks to capitalize on President Trump's recent successes in the state, promoting a shift toward conservative policies and governance.
In a statement about her new position, McDaniel expressed her eagerness to build on the Republican accomplishments in Michigan, stating, “President Trump’s historic victory last year showed that Michiganders are sick of extreme policies that have made our communities unsafe, our schools fail, and our state too expensive. I’m excited to work on expanding on that success and getting Michigan back on track.”
McDaniel's unexpected detour into television began when NBC News hired her in March 2024 as a Republican voice on their programming. Her first appearance on "Meet the Press" immediately sparked internal controversy. Network employees, including MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski and her co-host Joe Scarborough, voiced their disapproval, citing McDaniel's past comments on the 2020 election results. Chuck Todd, former host of "Meet the Press," called into question her sincerity, suggesting her viewpoints were too inconsistent for a reliable contributor.
The uproar within NBC was swift and effective. Only two days after her television debut, McDaniel's contract was terminated, with NBCUniversal Group Chairman Cesar Conde apologizing to staff members for the decision to hire her. President Trump, who had advocated for McDaniel's RNC chairmanship in 2016, later supported her removal and in an interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo in February 2024, he implied that changes were necessary at the RNC.
McDaniel's departure from the RNC was preceded by a meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago where she informed him of her resignation plans. This meeting followed months of escalating calls from Republicans for new leadership at the national committee after successive disappointing election outcomes. The pressure intensified due to criticisms of the RNC's strategies and execution under her watch.
Trump's reaction to McDaniel's NBC exit was one of mockery, as seen in a Truth Social post where he suggested she was now in "never Neverland." Despite the setbacks, McDaniel's focus has turned to Michigan, where she seems determined to influence the political landscape. With the backing of the DeVos family, her efforts may shape the state's future policies and Republican strategies.
