Former President Donald Trump remains a key player in conservative politics and the Republican Party at large. Many Republicans have openly admitted that the support from Trump will be vital for conservatives to win 2022 midterm races.
November 2022 isn’t as far away as some people might think. This explains why the Republican Party is working hard to raise money and best position their candidates to win these elections.
Due to the power that Trump’s name carries in the GOP, Republicans are using the former president’s name and likeness to campaign and raise money. However, Trump recently sent a cease-and-desist letter to Republicans, telling them to discontinue this current course of action, Washington Examiner confirms.
The Cease-and-Desist Letter from Trump
Last week, the Republican National Committee, National Republican Senatorial Committee, and National Republican Congressional Committee received a cease-and-desist letter from the former president. In this letter, these bodies are ordered to abstain from employing Trump’s likeness and name for the purposes of merchandise and other means of fundraising.
As reported by @playbookdc, Trump has sent cease-and-desist letters to the RNC, NRCC, and NRSC telling them not to use Trump's name or likeness in $ appeals
But the RNC appears to be ignoring it. They sent out an email today asking supporters for $ to "DEFEND" Trump's policies
— Alex Isenstadt (@politicoalex) March 6, 2021
Since the send-out of these letters, an adviser to the former president spoke to the media. The aide notes that while Trump remains duly committed to the GOP and getting “America First conservatives” into office, his “explicit approval” is still required in order for anyone to use his likeness or name.
Since the aforementioned cease-and-desist letters, the Republican National Committee, National Republican Senatorial Committee, and National Republican Congressional Committee have not released a statement regarding this development.
The Republican Party as of Now
As of now, the GOP has two main objectives: win enough 2022 midterm races to take back the House and/or the Senate and push back against the Biden administration. Of course, it goes without saying that the former will make the latter much easier.
Why is the Biden Administration afraid of Joe answering questions? pic.twitter.com/nhcds9m6WH
— GOP (@GOP) March 7, 2021
Right now, Biden and Democrat lawmakers are having a field day as they pass one bill after the other while the GOP watches helplessly from the sidelines. Just yesterday, the Democrat-led Senate passed the American Rescue Plan without a single Republican vote.
If the GOP takes back either the House or Senate majority, the second half of Biden’s presidency will look much different than it does right now.
What do you think about Trump telling the GOP not to use his likeness or name without his express permission? Let us know down below in the comments section.
