The Republican National Committee on Friday elected Trump-backed Michael Whatley and Lara Trump to take over the committee.

Why it matters: The formal selection of the former president's chosen candidates cements his increasing control over the RNC as he closes in on securing the GOP presidential nomination.

• Ronna McDaniel, who served as chair since 2017, stepped down from the role as expected on Friday.

Driving the news: "We are already well on our way to making Joe Biden a one-term President, and I look forward to working alongside each and every Republican across the country to deliver Republican victories up and down the ballot," Whatley said in a statement.

• "Lara and I are steadfast in our commitment to get out the vote, protect the ballot, and elect Donald J. Trump and Republicans from coast to coast this November," he said.

The big picture: Trump last month endorsed Whatley, chair of the North Carolina GOP, to serve as chair of the committee and his daughter-in-law Lara Trump to serve as co-chair.

• Trump also endorsed his campaign senior adviser, Chris LaCivita, to effectively serve as COO.

State of play: Trump started ramping up his public criticism of McDaniel after the RNC had its worst fundraising year in almost a decade at the end of 2023 and heading into the crucial election year.

• Trump, as the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, is expected to tap into RNC fundraising to support his presidential bid.
• President Biden already holds a cash advantage over Trump ahead of their likely November rematch. Trump's team is also spending tens of millions to fight his four indictments and other legal battles.

Go deeper: Trump's billion-dollar man: Chris LaCivita will steer spending by campaign, RNC

Editor's note: This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.