Breaking: Trump May Bypass First GOP Primary Debate

Former President Donald Trump is reportedly seriously contemplating skipping the first GOP primary debate in August and setting up a new event in its stead.

Trump is reportedly considering skipping the first two GOP primary debates, which will be held at the Republican National Committee’s expense, according to NBC News. This is because of his big lead in the polls and previous disputes with Fox News, which will air the debate in August. According to Trump’s advisors, he is considering skipping the first debate but has not made up his mind yet. He is now researching alternatives for a different event.

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“[I]f he does not debate, I doubt he’s staying home,” an adviser said.

Donald Trump made the decision to skip the last debate before the Iowa caucuses during the 2016 Republican primaries in order to gain an advantage. Instead of going, he planned a significant charity occasion to benefit veterans.

Trump’s advisers are pleading with him to participate in the discussions, but he alone has the final say. Before making a choice, Trump allegedly consulted a number of people, including an RNC official.

“He shops opinions with everyone and will get, like, 100 different opinions,” one adviser explained. “He wants to know what everyone thinks but will ultimately do what he wants to do. In general, he is asking everyone, from the bellman to [RNC Chair] Ronna McDaniel.”

Another source wants Trump to take part in the discussion, but they think he won’t unless there is a significant change in the polls. Trump is now leading a sizable field of contenders for the Republican primary in 2024 by almost 30 points, according to the Real Clear Politics average.

Some of Trump’s opponents in 2024 have slammed the former president for perhaps missing the debates, with former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie alleging “he’s afraid” and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson asserting Trump is playing the “victim card.”

The first RNC debate is set to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 23. Fox News, Young America’s Foundation, and the streaming service Rumble are partners in this presentation. The location of the second Reagan Library debate has not yet been decided.

Politicians including Hutchinson, Christie, and Will Hurd, a former congressman from Texas, have voiced objections to the RNC’s eligibility requirements for the debate. These conditions include pledging support for the eventual nominee and fulfilling certain polling and donation standards.

Hutchinson has frequently voiced his concern over the RNC’s loyalty oath, which, should Trump win the nomination, may compel him to back a convicted felon. He has pleaded with the committee to change its procedures. Christie, on the other hand, has criticized the vow as meaningless but has made it clear he would follow it in order to participate in the discussion. Hurd, the most recent contender, has said he won’t swear the loyalty oath in order to avoid backing the outgoing president.

The Trump campaign has yet to respond to The Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.