In a bold move to reshape the Republican Party, top advisers to former President Donald Trump are planning to dramatically overhaul the party’s platform. The goal is to streamline the platform and refocus on Trump’s agenda for a potential second term.
A memo written by Trump campaign managers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles criticized the current platform for being too long and influenced by special interests. They emphasized the need for a clear and concise platform that is easy for voters to understand and difficult for opponents to attack.
The memo, obtained by CNN on Saturday and first reported by The New York Times, highlighted the intention to present a more concise platform in line with President Trump’s vision for America’s future. The current platform, spanning 66 pages and approved in 2016 and 2020, is set to be replaced by a document only a couple of dozen pages long, reflecting Trump’s top priorities.
According to sources familiar with the planning, past platform committees were dominated by lobbyists and special interest groups pushing their own agendas. LaCivita and Wiles aim to create a platform that breaks free from Washington jargon and lobbyist influence.
However, there is growing concern among conservative groups, particularly anti-abortion activists, that the new platform may remove the party’s commitment to a federal abortion ban and a constitutional amendment on unborn rights. One Trump ally involved in the anti-abortion movement expressed worries about the potential division within the party if pro-life language is removed.
The existing platform also touches on issues like opposing same-sex marriage, rejecting new gun restrictions, and proposed changes to Medicare and Social Security. Trump’s campaign is intent on avoiding a lengthy document that could be used against him by Democrats in the upcoming election.
By setting the stage for the forthcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next month, Trump’s campaign is making it clear that the party is under his control. The platform committee, led by close allies like Randy Evans, Russell Vought, and Ed Martin, will meet behind closed doors ahead of the convention, with deliberations not broadcast by C-SPAN as in previous years.
