RNC Quickly Endorses Trump After Haley’s Exit

After former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley exited the presidential race on Tuesday morning, the Republican National Committee formally acknowledged former President Donald Trump as the presumptive Republican candidate.

“Congratulations to President Trump on his huge primary victory!” read a statement from R.N.C. chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. “I’d also like to congratulate Nikki Haley for running a hard-fought campaign and becoming the first woman to win a Republican presidential contest.”

McDaniel is expected to step down from her position as chair of the R.N.C. in mere days and will be replaced by Trump-endorsed Michael Whatley, the chairman of the North Carolina Republican party. The R.N.C. is expected to meld with the Trump campaign going forward.