President Donald Trump endorsed Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Joe Gruters on Friday, calling for him to remain in the party’s top leadership position and oversee its efforts heading into the 2028 presidential election.

In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump praised Gruters for his leadership of the RNC and credited him with building an organization capable of advancing the president’s America First agenda.

“As Chairman, Joe turned the RNC into an efficient, focused, and powerful machine that will continue to empower the America First Agenda for many years to come,” Trump wrote.

The president then made clear that he wants Gruters to continue leading the national party, urging Republicans across the country to support his bid for another term.

“Joe Gruters should 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 said. “Republicans everywhere should support him as he continues his mission at the RNC.”

Trump also highlighted Gruters’ relationship with the Republican grassroots and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party through the next presidential election.

“Joe is 100% America First, the Grassroots LOVES him, and I know he will do an incredible job in 2028, and secure Great Success for Republicans all across our Country,” the president wrote. “Joe has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

The endorsement comes just days after Republicans suffered significant losses in the November 3 midterm elections, with Democrats making gains in congressional and state-level races. Gruters had defended the party’s preparations heading into Election Day, but the results have prompted questions about the direction of Republican leadership and the RNC’s strategy.

RNC Co-Chair KC Crosbie announced Thursday that she intends to challenge Gruters for the chairmanship, arguing that the party must take an honest look at its performance and give its members a greater role in determining its direction. Her announcement set up a potential leadership contest ahead of the committee’s next election.

Trump’s endorsement puts the president firmly behind Gruters as that contest approaches. Gruters first became RNC chairman in August 2025 after Trump endorsed him to succeed Michael Whatley, who stepped down to run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina. Gruters was elected unanimously.

The latest statement appears to be Trump’s first major endorsement tied to the 2028 election cycle, signaling that he wants Gruters to remain at the helm of the Republican Party as it begins preparing for the next presidential campaign.