Scoop: White House furious over surprise challenge to Trump's RNC chair
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KC Crosbie speaks at the podium after she was elected to co-chair the Republican National Committee on Jan. 17, 2025. Photo: Anna S/Getty Images
The White House was blindsided by RNC co-chair KC Crosbie's decision to challenge President Trump's handpicked party chairman, Joe Gruters — a move that has infuriated administration officials days after the GOP's midterm drubbing, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: Sitting Republican presidents traditionally choose the RNC chair, making leadership elections little more than a formality. Crosbie is challenging that arrangement — despite owing her own position to Trump.
- Trump moved quickly to back Gruters, issuing a lengthy Truth Social endorsement Friday calling on Republicans to support the incumbent chairman.
Driving the news: Crosbie announced her candidacy Thursday in a letter to the RNC's 168 members obtained by Axios. It called for changes to the party following Tuesday's elections, which cost Republicans control of both chambers of Congress.
- "Tuesday's results were a serious setback," Crosbie wrote. "We owe ourselves an honest account of why."
- She questioned whether the party had adequately addressed voters' concerns, supported its candidates and nominated Republicans capable of winning competitive races.
- "I believe the RNC has fallen short of that responsibility, and I hope to see that change," she wrote.
The big picture: Crosbie's call for a change in direction is the first significant challenge to Trump's authority within the Republican Party after the midterms.
Behind the scenes: The White House was caught off guard by Crosbie's move and is furious she did not inform officials there beforehand.
- "The White House was blindsided by KC's bid for RNC Chair and people are infuriated that she did not give anybody a courtesy call," an administration official told Axios.
- "The only reason she is currently the Co-Chair is because of President Trump. Her amateur behavior and disrespect for the sitting President is exactly why she should not be leading the Party."
- Crosbie has been RNC co-chair since January 2025. She is a rung below Gruters, who became chair in 2025. Crosbie previously was RNC treasurer and has been the Kentucky GOP's national committeewoman since 2012.
The intrigue: The administration official warned that a Crosbie victory would carry serious financial consequences for the RNC.
- Fundraising events featuring Trump, Vice President Vance and administration and Cabinet officials would cease if Crosbie were elected, the official said.
- Trump also would prohibit the RNC from using his likeness and signature in fundraising appeals, according to the official.
What they're saying: Trump made clear that he is standing behind Gruters, with whom he met Friday. The president praised Gruters — who is close to members of Trump's inner circle and became RNC chair in August 2025 — for turning the RNC into an "efficient, focused, and powerful machine."
- "Joe Gruters should return as Chairman of the RNC to continue to build our Party," Trump wrote on Truth Social, giving him his "Complete and Total Endorsement."
- Crosbie did not respond to a request for comment.
Zoom out: Trump handpicked both Gruters and Crosbie for their current positions, making the leadership challenge particularly sensitive for the White House.
- Crosbie's challenge puts the committee's 168 members in the unusual position of choosing between Trump's preferred chairman and a challenger who says the party needs to rethink its approach after its election defeat.
What's next: The RNC will hold leadership elections at its January meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona.
