Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Ronna McDaniel

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Ronna McDaniel.

Ronna Romney McDaniel is an American political strategist known for her role as chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) from 2017 to 2024. Prior to leading the RNC, she served as chair of the Michigan Republican Party from 2015 to 2017. A member of the Republican Party and the Romney family, she played a significant role in Republican politics.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

October 2017: McDaniel comments on Weinstein donations

In October 2017, Ronna McDaniel stated that the Democratic Party should return Harvey Weinstein's "dirty money" after he was accused of sexual abuse.

December 2017: RNC Funding for Roy Moore

In December 2017, the White House influenced Ronna McDaniel to resume RNC funding for Roy Moore, who lost the special Alabama Senate election.

January 2018: McDaniel responds to Wynn allegations

In January 2018, after Steve Wynn resigned as RNC finance chairman due to sexual misconduct allegations, Ronna McDaniel defended allowing him "due process" and stated his donations would only be returned after investigation.

April 2018: RNC attacks James Comey

In April 2018, under Ronna McDaniel's leadership, the RNC launched a website attacking former FBI Director James Comey, labeling him "Lyin' Comey".

November 2018: McDaniel urges McSally to be more aggressive

In November 2018, Ronna McDaniel reportedly called on Martha McSally to be more aggressive during the ballot counting process in the Arizona Senate race, as McSally's lead narrowed.

January 2019: Criticism of Mitt Romney's Editorial

In January 2019, Ronna McDaniel criticized her uncle Mitt Romney's editorial criticizing President Trump's moral character.

May 2019: Criticism of Justin Amash

In May 2019, Ronna McDaniel criticized House Representative Justin Amash for calling for Trump's impeachment, saying he was "parroting the Democrats' talking points on Russia".

May 2019: Wynn's donations to the Republican Party

In May 2019, it was reported that Steve Wynn had donated nearly $400,000 to the national Republican Party the previous month, most of it to the RNC. As of May 2019, none of the money had been returned by the RNC, and Steve Wynn has never been convicted of the allegations.

September 2019: McDaniel emails Doug Manchester for donations

In September 2019, Ronna McDaniel emailed Doug Manchester, requesting $500,000 in donations to the Republican Party while his ambassadorship nomination was stalled. This led to accusations of a "possible pay-for-play scheme".

May 13, 2020: RNC contracts awarded to McDaniel's connections

On May 13, 2020, it was reported that the RNC, under Ronna McDaniel, awarded contracts to companies closely connected to her, including her husband's company and those that supported her 2015 chairmanship run.

May 2020: Opposition to Voting Measures

In May 2020, the RNC allocated $20 million to oppose Democratic lawsuits to make voting easier during the coronavirus pandemic, with Ronna McDaniel accusing Democrats of trying to "destroy" and "assault" the integrity of elections.

June 2020: RNC Video Warning About Voter Fraud

In June 2020, Ronna McDaniel shared a RNC video warning about voter fraud in the upcoming 2020 election due to expansions of vote-by-mail related to the coronavirus pandemic.

2020: Claims of Voter Fraud

In 2020, Ronna McDaniel and the RNC made claims of voter fraud after Joe Biden's election victory and helped organize fake electors for Trump.

2020: Investigation begins into Manchester nomination

In 2020, a federal investigation began into Doug Manchester's nomination for ambassador to the Bahamas, potentially involving Ronna McDaniel and other RNC figures.

2020: Statements About Election

Ronna McDaniel made statements about the 2020 election, including instances of undermining journalism and attacks on journalistic integrity.

May 2021: Federal grand jury issues subpoena related to Manchester nomination

In May 2021, it was reported that a federal grand jury had issued a subpoena in a criminal investigation into Doug Manchester's nomination, seemingly focused on the RNC, Ronna McDaniel, RNC co-chairman Tommy Hicks, and potentially members of Congress.

November 2021: RNC Covered Trump's Legal Fees

By November 2021, the RNC, under the leadership of Ronna McDaniel, was still covering the legal fees for former president Trump related to investigations into his financial practices in New York.

2021: Statement Supporting LGBT Pride Month

In 2021, Ronna McDaniel issued a statement supporting and celebrating LGBT Pride Month and announced the creation of the RNC Pride Coalition.

2022: Absence of Pride Month Statement

In 2022, Ronna McDaniel did not issue a statement supporting LGBT Pride Month following backlash from social conservatives.

2022: Efforts to Censure Republican Members of Congress

In 2022, Ronna McDaniel led efforts within the RNC to censure Republican members of Congress Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for their involvement in investigating the U.S. Capitol attack.

2022: Censure of Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger

In 2022, Ronna McDaniel orchestrated the censure of Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger for their involvement in the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack, characterizing the event as "legitimate political discourse".