Trump's handpicked party chair faces a rebellion as midterm losses challenge president's grip on GOP
AP News reports a rebellion against Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters, Donald Trump's handpicked pick, after the party's worst midterm performance in a generation. KC Crosbie, the committee's second-in-command, launched a challenge on November 5, 2026, as some members demand a forensic audit of spending, including hair and makeup services for Trump and other officials, while the White House threatens to cut off fundraising help. The chairmanship vote comes at the committee's January winter meeting in Arizona, and the article forecasts the fight will shape the 2028 nominating contest.
