Trump's daughter-in-law Lara just made a bold political move, and it's turning heads
Synopsis Lara Trump has decided against running for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina after discussions with family and supporters. Former President Trump, who initially considered supporting her, is now endorsing Michael Whatley, the current RNC Chair. Whatley is expected to announce his Senate run soon, with endorsements from both Trump and Lara. Lara Trump has officially said she will NOT run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, even though many expected her to. She said she came to this decision after talking to her family, friends, and supporters. "After much consideration and heartfelt discussions... I have decided not to pursue..."
ADVERTISEMENT Until Thursday morning, former President Donald Trump was expected to support Lara's Senate run. But in a twist, Trump chose to back Michael Whatley instead, who is the current RNC Chair. Michael Whatley, 57, is expected to announce his Senate run soon, and he will be endorsed by both Trump and Lara. Lara Trump is married to Eric Trump, and she had been thinking about running since June, according to the report by Politico.
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Trump had encouraged Lara to run after Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, said he would not seek reelection. Tillis and Trump didn't get along. Tillis had opposed and criticized Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill,' which made Trump want to back someone else.Trump promised to support any Republican who would run against Tillis in the 2026 primary. Democrats now see Tillis' retirement as their chance to flip the seat, and former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper is likely to run, as per the report by Politico.
ADVERTISEMENT Trump is 'optimistic' that Whatley's strong donor ties will help the GOP win the race. Whatley is from Watauga County, NC, and led the state Republican Party before becoming RNC Chair in March 2024. This is actually the third time Lara Trump has thought about running for Senate. She first thought about running in 2022 when Senator Richard Burr retired, but then decided not to.
ADVERTISEMENT In 2024, Trump even considered nominating her to fill Marco Rubio's seat when he was tapped to be Secretary of State, but dropped the idea. Lara quit her RNC co-chair role in December 2024, making people believe she'd definitely run, but Trump soon said no.
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Since stepping away from politics, Lara Trump has moved toward entertainment. She now hosts a Fox News talk show called 'My View with Lara Trump.' She's also trying out a music career — her sixth Christian pop single came out just three days ago, as per the report by Politico.
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Q1. Why did Lara Trump decide not to run for Senate in North Carolina?
Lara Trump said she chose not to run after deep talks with her family, friends, and supporters.
Q2. Who is Trump supporting for the North Carolina Senate seat instead of Lara Trump?
Donald Trump is backing RNC Chair Michael Whatley, who will be endorsed by both Trump and Lara.
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