President-elect Trump said Wednesday that he asked Michael Whatley to stay on for another term as chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) following the party's successful 2024 election cycle. Trump praised Whatley in a post on Truth Social, calling him a "smart, tough lawyer" and citing the RNC's election integrity efforts to challenge certain rulings on how ballots were collected and counted during the latest cycle. "Michael and Lara transformed the RNC into a lean, focused, and powerful machine that will empower the America First Agenda for many years to come," the president-elect wrote, also praising his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, who served as co-chair of the committee. "I have asked Michael to return as Chairman of the RNC to continue to build our Party, and be a trusted partner as we Make America Great Again, and ensure Free and Fair Elections," Trump added. "Republicans everywhere should support him as he continues his mission at the RNC." Whatley was elected RNC chair earlier this year after Ronna McDaniel stepped down from the role. He previously served as chair of the North Carolina GOP and as general counsel for the RNC. The party chair typically serves two-year terms. But with Trump returning to the White House, he will essentially have his choice of who leads the RNC. Lara Trump is also among those in the mix to replace Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) in the Senate if Rubio is confirmed as secretary of State.