President-elect Donald Trump’s allies are embroiled in a new battle with traditionalist Republicans, this time over the leadership of key Senate campaign groups. What was once a relatively quiet and drama-free process has now turned into a contentious feud, with disagreements over whether potential new leaders are sufficiently loyal to Trump and his movement.
The conflict has escalated beyond just top leadership positions, with even lower-level hires coming under scrutiny. One recent target of this scrutiny is Brendan Jaspers, who was recently appointed as the NRSC’s political director for the upcoming 2026 midterms. MAGA Republicans have raised concerns about Jaspers’ past work at the anti-tax Club for Growth, which initially opposed Trump in the 2024 primary before reconciling with him.
Critics argue that Jaspers’ previous role at the Club for Growth raises questions about his loyalty to Trump and his agenda. However, Club for Growth’s vice president of campaigns, Tom Schultz, has defended Jaspers, stating that his work focused on Senate and House races and school-choice advocacy, and he did not participate in efforts opposing Trump in the primary.
The infighting over leadership positions at the NRSC and Senate Leadership Fund reflects a power struggle within the Republican Party following Sen. Mitch McConnell’s departure from GOP leadership. Trump allies are seeking to exert influence in the post-election landscape, leading to clashes with more traditionalist Republicans like Sen. Tim Scott, who has faced criticism for his hiring decisions at the NRSC.
Scott’s attempt to bring on a former adviser to Mike Pence as the committee’s executive director sparked backlash from Trump allies, who accused him of not prioritizing loyalty to the former president. The subsequent appointment of Jennifer DeCasper as executive director and Stephen DeMaura as deputy executive director was met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a concession to MAGA activists.
The discord over staffing decisions has spilled into public view, with prominent figures like Chris LaCivita and Laura Loomer criticizing the NRSC and specific hires. The tensions highlight the broader effort to reshape the GOP in the image of the MAGA wing, a shift that has created divisions and challenges within the party.
As the battle over leadership positions continues, the future direction of the Republican Party remains uncertain. Scott’s hiring moves and the looming vacancy at the Senate Leadership Fund underscore the ongoing struggle to balance competing interests and ideologies within the party. The outcome of these internal conflicts will shape the GOP’s approach to the upcoming midterm elections and its efforts to maintain and expand its majority in the Senate.
