Trump fires his Virginia state chairman over unsanctioned RNC protest

Corey Stewart criticizes "RNC establishment pukes" in footage from a protest before the Trump campaign relieved him of his position as Virginia state chair. (Video: LawlessPirate/Twitter)

Donald Trump's campaign has fired its Virginia state chairman after he took part in a protest in front of Republican National Committee headquarters on Monday.

State chair Corey Stewart is "being replaced, effective immediately," Trump deputy campaign manager David Bossie said in a written statement. "Corey made this decision when he staged a stunt in front of the RNC without the knowledge or the approval of the Trump campaign."

ABC7 reporter Jeff Goldberg tweeted video of Stewart criticizing "RNC establishment pukes" during the protest and accusing the committee of "diverting" funds that Trump raised.

Corey Stewart, Trump campaign mgr in Virginia, calls out RNC "pukes". pic.twitter.com/XI6uzoyDTc

— Jeff Goldberg (@JeffG_DC) October 10, 2016

Stewart did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway said in her own statement: "We have a tremendous working relationship with the RNC. Chairman Reince Priebus has been an engaged and incredibly supportive ally to Mr. Trump throughout the campaign."