Ronna McDaniel, the former Chair of the Republican National Committee, has openly expressed her disagreement with ex-President Donald Trump’s portrayal of the January 6, 2021, insurrection and his advocacy for pardoning those found guilty in relation to the Capitol riot. “I want to make it perfectly clear: The violence on January 6 was deplorable. It does not reflect the values of our nation or my party,” McDaniel stated during an interview with NBC, emphasizing, “If you assaulted our Capitol and were convicted, that conviction should stand.”
Trump has announced that, should he win another term, releasing individuals convicted of crimes associated with the insurrection would be part of his immediate agenda. Contrary to Trump, who has previously described January 6 as “a beautiful day,” McDaniel labeled the violent event “a dark day in our history.” “There’s absolutely nothing to celebrate about that day. There’s no aspect of it we can look back on positively,” McDaniel remarked to NBC.
McDaniel, who stepped down from her RNC chair position earlier this month, is transitioning to a new role as a political analyst with NBC News. When questioned about her delay in publicly opposing Trump’s comments, McDaniel explained that she had to prioritize the collective interest of the team during her tenure as RNC chair. “Now, I have the opportunity to express my true self,” she shared on Sunday.
Following a period of tension with Trump and his reelection campaign, McDaniel announced her resignation from the RNC last month. Michael Whatley, endorsed by Trump and the former chair of the North Carolina state GOP, has succeeded McDaniel, with Lara Trump, the ex-president’s daughter-in-law, serving as the committee’s co-chair.
Despite her criticisms, McDaniel confirmed her intention to vote for Trump, who is nearly certain to clinch the GOP presidential nomination, in the upcoming election. She also absolved Trump of responsibility for the events of January 6. Moreover, McDaniel defended her actions following the 2020 election, including a call with Trump to Michigan election officials, urging them not to certify the state’s results. “We were simply asking, ‘Are you okay?’ That’s how I remember it,” McDaniel recounted.
McDaniel has consistently voiced concerns about the 2020 election, reiterating unfounded claims of irregularities. Despite this, she acknowledged President Joe Biden’s legitimate victory, stating to NBC, “He is the legitimate president. He won fair and square. It’s certified, it’s concluded.”
Even as she accepts Biden’s win, McDaniel maintains her right to scrutinize the election’s integrity. “We’re entitled to examine elections post-factum to ensure they were conducted transparently and fairly,” she asserted. “And let me be absolutely clear, I condemn any form of violence or attacks on our Capitol unequivocally.”
Contributions to this report were made by Riley Beggin, David Jackson, and Ken Tran.