Reince Priebus interrupted his recent vacation to warn Donald Trump that the Republican National Committee (RNC) might cut off its support of the GOP presidential nominee because of sinking poll numbers,
Time magazine reports.
The alleged threat occurred during a phone call the RNC chair placed earlier this month after learning Trump had declined to endorse House Speaker Paul Ryan for reelection in Wisconsin — a stunning slap at the GOP by the billionaire real-estate tycoon.
"The chairman had a frank message for the nominee, according to two Republican officials briefed on the call," Time's Alex Altman, Phlllip Elliot and Zeke Miller write.
"Priebus told Trump that internal GOP polling suggested he was on track to lose the election. And if Trump didn't turn around his campaign over the coming weeks, the [RNC] would consider redirecting party resources and machinery to House and Senate races."
Trump says the alleged threat never occurred, insisting Priebus is "a terrific guy. He never said that."
But it may already be happening. Time says powerful outside groups have started moving funds and staff to House and Senate races.
"There's going to have to be some resource reallocation," a senior Republican official told Time.
But Trump admitted to the magazine, "I am now listening to people that are telling me to be easier, nicer, be softer. And you know, that's O.K., and I'm doing that. Personally, I don't know if that's what the country wants."
Trump also backed down on Ryan and
has since endorsed him.
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