Former Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele has issued a stark warning regarding former President Donald Trump's increasing hold on the Republican Party. In an opinion piece published by MSNBC, Steele expressed concerns about Trump's endorsement of his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, and North Carolina GOP Chair Michael Whatley for leadership roles within the RNC.

Steele cautioned against allowing Trump to handpick the successor to current RNC chair Ronna McDaniel, predicting that such a move would result in an "implosion" comparable to Trump's failed Atlantic City casino. He criticized the focus on promoting Trump's presidential campaign as the sole priority of the RNC, emphasizing that the chair's responsibilities also include supporting House and Senate majorities, fundraising for candidates, messaging coordination, platform development, voter mobilization, and party representation.

Pointing to recent remarks by Lara Trump pledging unwavering support for her father-in-law's election efforts, Steele argued that an exclusive emphasis on Trump's agenda could lead the GOP to further electoral losses, citing the party's setbacks in the 2020 election and subsequent midterms, as well as declining fundraising figures.

Steele concluded his critique by lamenting the Republican Party's apparent embrace of the turmoil and division brought by Trump, questioning the decision to pursue a path that may compromise the party's prospects for success. Trump, in response, expressed confidence in Lara Trump's capabilities, praising her dedication to the principles of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

Efforts to determine the future leadership of the RNC remain ongoing, with changes likely to be finalized following the South Carolina Republican presidential primary, where Trump is poised to compete against the state's former governor, Nikki Haley.

Steele, known for his outspoken criticism of Trump, has previously called for the former president to be held accountable for his attacks on judges and court staff in his ongoing legal battles.