Mar 8, 2021 - Politics & Policy

RNC rejects cease-and-desist demand from Trump attorneys

Shawna Chen

Photo of Donald Trump speaking from behind a podium with the image of the American flag in the backdrop — Photo: Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Republican National Committee dismissed a cease-and-desist demand from former President Trump's attorneys Monday after Trump's lawyers told the organization to stop using Trump's name and likeness, Politico reports.

What they're saying: The RNC "has every right to refer to public figures as it engages in core, First Amendment-protected political speech, and it will continue to do so in pursuit of these common goals," chief counsel Justin Riemer wrote in a letter sent Monday afternoon.

The RNC letter highlights Trump's "close" relationship with RNC chair Ronna McDaniel and states that Trump personally approved the use of his name for fundraising.
"The RNC is grateful for the past and continued support President Trump has given to the committee and it looks forward to working with him to elect Republicans across the country," Riemer wrote.
The RNC did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.

Trump attorneys sent a letter on March 5 requesting that the RNC "immediately cease and desist the unauthorized use of President Donald J. Trump’s name, image, and/or likeness in all fundraising, persuasion, and/or issue speech."

It was one of many cease-and-desist demands, which the Trump team sent to GOP committees including the National Republican Senatorial Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee.

The big picture: Trump worked closely with the RNC during the 2020 campaign, raising over $366 million together, according to Politico.

Trump is expected to speak at the RNC's upcoming donor retreat in Palm Beach, a portion of which has been moved to Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club, per the Washington Post.

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RNC rejects cease-and-desist demand from Trump attorneys

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