Trump may skip first GOP debate, might host own event instead: Report.
Former President Donald Trump Considers Skipping First GOP Primary Debate
According to NBC News, former President Donald Trump is leaning towards skipping the first GOP presidential primary debate in August and organizing a countering event instead. Trump, who currently holds a massive lead in the polls, has been contemplating not participating in the Republican National Committee’s initial two debates due to recent disagreements with Fox News, the broadcaster of the August debate.
While Trump’s advisers have been encouraging him to participate in the debates, the final decision rests solely with the former president. Trump has sought the opinions of various individuals, including an RNC official, before making his choice.
During the 2016 Republican primaries, Trump opted out of the final debate before the Iowa caucuses and held a fundraising event for veterans instead.
Will Trump Take the Stage?
One source believes that Trump will only participate in the debate if there is a significant change in the polls. Currently, the Real Clear Politics average for the 2024 national Republican primary shows Trump leading the crowded field of candidates by approximately 30 points.
Some of Trump’s 2024 challengers, such as former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, have criticized him for potentially skipping the debates. Christie argued that Trump is “afraid,” while Hutchinson accused him of playing the “victim card.”
The First RNC Debate and Criticisms
The first RNC debate is scheduled for August 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is partnered with Fox News, Young America’s Foundation, and the streaming app Rumble. The date for the second debate has yet to be determined, but it will be held at the Reagan Library in California.
Some candidates, including Christie, Hutchinson, and former Texas Rep. Will Hurd, have taken issue with the RNC’s qualifications for the debate. These qualifications include a loyalty pledge to support the eventual nominee, as well as donor and polling requirements.
Hutchinson has frequently criticized the loyalty pledge, expressing concerns about potentially supporting a convicted felon if Trump becomes the nominee. Christie has called the pledge a “useless idea” but stated that he will do what is necessary to make it to the debate stage. Hurd, the latest candidate to enter the race, has refused to sign the loyalty pledge to avoid endorsing the former president.
Trump’s campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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