Donald Trump’s chief lieutenants told skeptical GOP leaders Thursday he has merely been “projecting an image” so far — and “the part he’s been playing is now evolving” into that of a serious presidential contender who will impress voters in November.

Trump’s newly hired senior aide, Paul Manafort, made the case to Republican National Committee members that Trump has two personalities: one in private and one onstage.

“When he’s out on the stage, when he’s talking about the kinds of things he’s talking about on the stump, he’s projecting an image that’s for that purpose,” Manafort said in a private briefing in Hollywood, Fla.

“You’ll start to see more depth of the person, the real person. You’ll see a real different guy,” he said.

The message was criticized by some, who suggested it raised doubts about Trumps’ authenticity.

Meanwhile, New York Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox on Thursday endorsed Trump — 24 hours refusing to do so.