Donald Trump and Republican Chairman Reince Priebus met privately on Thursday in Washington, D.C., officials confirmed to the Washington Examiner.
Sources described the meeting as Trump and his top aides getting briefed on the upcoming convention in Cleveland, with a discussion on how the process will unfold, as well as what the Republican National Committee is doing to prepare for an eventual nominee. Trump is the front-runner, but could fall short of the 1,237 delegates he needs to avoid a contested convention.
Trump’s meeting with Priebus was brief. He left RNC headquarters on Capitol Hill shortly before 3 p.m., without making any comments. Trump did, however, wave to onlookers and reporters gathered around the building.
The New York celebrity businessman and the party’s national chairman have enjoyed a cordial but at times testy relationship. Trump has periodically threatened to bolt the party and run an independent presidential bid. Priebus, concerned that such a move would throw the election to Democratic favorite Hillary Clinton, has worked hard to keep Trump in the fold.
Months ago, Priebus met with Trump at his office in Manhattan and secured a written pledge from the candidate to support the Republican presidential nominee in the event that it isn’t him. Earlier this week, Trump said he no longer considered himself bound to that pledge, which is not enforceable.
Trump isn’t the only one to hedge. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Gov. John Kasich of Ohio have hinted that they might not support Trump if he wins the nomination.
Politico first reported on Trump’s Thursday meeting with Priebus.
Joel Gehrke contributed
