In a move that signifies ongoing divisions within the party, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has been asking prospective job candidates about their belief in the alleged theft of the 2020 election, according to sources cited by the Washington Post. This comes as part of a series of "litmus tests" conducted by Trump advisers following changes within the party committee.

Multiple employees who worked in crucial states for the 2024 election have reportedly been "quizzed" about their views on the 2020 election. One job applicant recalled being asked directly, "was the 2020 election stolen?", during an interview with two senior Trump advisers.

The inquiry has reportedly caught some potential employees off-guard, with concerns arising that their loyalty to former President Donald Trump is being questioned. A former RNC employee questioned whether stating that the election was not stolen would hinder their chances of securing a job.

Responding to the reports, RNC and Trump spokeswoman Danielle Alvarez stated that candidates who have experience working in battleground states or in places with widespread fraud allegations have been asked about their work history. Alvarez emphasized that the RNC is seeking staff members with comprehensive knowledge about election processes and the realities faced on the ground.

The RNC underwent a mass layoff of staff members in early March, with individuals given the opportunity to reapply for positions. As part of the reapplication process, interviews conducted by Trump advisers have been introduced.

However, critics have voiced their concerns about the loyalty test, citing potential repercussions for the committee. GOP strategist Doug Heye, a former communications director for the RNC, highlighted the issue with requiring complete alignment with Trump's statements, specifically referencing the claims surrounding the alleged stolen election.

The controversial practice has also drawn widespread criticism from the Democratic side. Democratic election attorney Marc Elias tweeted, calling it "insane" that every staff member at the RNC could potentially be an "avowed election denier." Former Trump White House aide Alyssa Farah Griffin expressed her disappointment, stating that lying about election theft is now a prerequisite for working at the RNC.

In addition, Trump's advisers have reportedly informed potential employees that they may be required to relocate to Palm Beach, Florida, near Mar-a-Lago, the former president's resort.

This latest development stems from Trump's dissatisfaction with the RNC leadership under former Chair Ronna McDaniel. Trump has continuously asserted that the RNC did not place enough emphasis on "election integrity" or support his claims of election theft. Consequently, Michael Whatley, a long-time loyalist from North Carolina, was backed by Trump to takeover as RNC chair, along with Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law. They have brought on attorney Christina Bobb, known for pushing false election claims, as senior counsel for election integrity.

Meanwhile, McDaniel was briefly hired and then dismissed by NBC News, raising controversy and criticism from Trump. He took to social media to express his views on the matter, stating that McDaniel's termination left her in a "strange place" called "NEVER NEVERLAND."

As tensions within the RNC persist, the true impact of these changes and loyalty tests on the committee's future remains uncertain.