In a recent development, the Republican National Committee (RNC) and former President Donald Trump reportedly did not deny inquiries about the implementation of a "litmus test" for prospective RNC employees. The Washington Post published a report stating that candidates were being asked if they believe the 2020 election was stolen, as the party gears up for the approaching 2024 election.

Danielle Alvarez, a spokesperson for the RNC and Trump, acknowledged that candidates who had worked in battleground states or were currently in states with prevalent fraud allegations were questioned about their work experience. Alvarez stressed the importance of hiring experienced staff who possessed informed perspectives on the strategies for winning and losing elections, along with on-the-ground knowledge of the election process.

While Trump has persistently propagated the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen, challenging the results in key states and inciting the deadly January 6 attack on Congress, recent changes within the RNC have further solidified his influence. Last month, Trump replaced Ronna McDaniel as RNC chair, appointing his daughter-in-law Lara Trump and loyalist Michael Whatley as new co-chairs.

Lara Trump, speaking to NBC, attempted to distance the RNC from disputes surrounding the 2020 election, stating that the past was the past and there were lessons to be learned. However, according to the Washington Post, Trump's aides are currently posing election-related questions to determine which former staffers will be rehired as the 2024 presidential election looms. Some of the questions reportedly revolve around "election integrity" in the upcoming contest.

An unnamed prospective employee revealed that two top Trump advisers questioned them directly, asking whether they believed the 2020 election was stolen. The Post reported that the questions were left open-ended, but a former RNC employee was quoted as saying that it seemed unlikely for applicants who disputed the election results to be hired.

Confirming the Post's report, CNN described the election-related question as unusual for a job interview, but viewed it as a way to gauge loyalty to Donald Trump. Alvarez, when approached by CNN, repeated her previous non-denial statement. Doug Heye, a former RNC communications director, commented that it was not uncommon for staff to align with the candidate's worldview. On the other hand, Bill Kristol, a conservative commentator critical of Trump, stated that prospective employees now had no excuse for wanting to work at the RNC in 2024, considering the party's open embrace of Trump's election lie.

As the RNC sets its sights on the upcoming 2024 election, the requirement for job applicants to acknowledge the election dispute demonstrates the continued influence of Trump and his efforts to maintain control within the party. It remains to be seen how this litmus test will impact the composition and ideologies of the RNC's future staff.