President Trump is moving to maintain command and control of the Republican National Committee after he leaves the White House by endorsing Ronna McDaniel for a third term as chairwoman.

The RNC traditionally operates independently without a Republican in the White House, in part to fulfill its role as a neutral organizer of the presidential primary. But Republican insiders said Trump’s decision to back McDaniel for another term as RNC chairwoman is a clear play to retain an iron grip on the committee after his term gives way to President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20.

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