Donald Trumps's chief political lieutenant declared him the undisputed leader of the Grand Old Party.
Fresh from Donald Trump's coronation as the Republican party's White House nominee, the mogul's chief political lieutenant declared him the undisputed leader of the Grand Old Party.
"This is the Trump party now," campaign chair Paul Manafort told CBS Wednesday.
"He's the nominee of the party, Republicans have said 'we trust you to lead us this fall and we think you're the strongest candidate and you have the best vision.'"
The convergence of campaign and party "has been seamless," he claimed.
That will come as news to many Republicans who view Trump's nomination as nothing short of a hostile takeover.
This week's party convention in Cleveland has seen unusual shows of public discord among delegates.
States have tried to dodge pledging their delegates to Trump, and pro and anti-Trump factions have exchanged jeers and shouts.
But as the week has gone on, the Republican establishment has also edged closer toward the nominee.
Republican leaders in Congress focused their convention speeches on the party's common enemy Hillary Clinton, but Trump also received rare praise.
"Our chance for a better way starts with electing @realDonaldTrump and @Mike_pence," House Speaker Paul Ryan tweeted.