(VINnews) — President Donald Trump has decided not to participate in the first GOP debate next week, according to multiple sources, and is planning a sit-down interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson (which would likely crush the debate in ratings).
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
Trump has hinted for weeks that he would not join the event. He is decimating every other candidate in the polls, in addition to being the former president and defacto leader of the party.
A source close to Carlson says the host is en route to Europe, where he has interviews and events scheduled for next week. The source said Carlson is “always in discussions” with all candidates, and has not finalized an interview with Trump.
A Trump campaign spokesman told NBC News, “We haven’t confirmed anything on our end.”
The New York Times first reported on Trump’s plans to skip the debate for an interview with Carlson.
Trump indicated during a Newsmax interview this month that he wouldn’t sign a loyalty pledge committing to support the eventual GOP nominee, which is required to secure a spot on the debate stage.
Trump’s advisers continue to add the caveat, however, that the former president could ultimately change his mind and decide at the 11th hour that he wants to attend the debate.
If he is to scared to defend his positions, and record, then I don’t believe he is up to the job again.
I hate trump but hope he wins the general elections . Stick it to the chalera in GA. Now go arrest him.
I wanted to hear his defense of Jan 6 and the Georgia vote evidence after 20 months keeping it a secret.
Smart move. He’s ahead and there may be questions he can’t respond to because of court proceedings. All he could do is hurt himself
Smart move – Don’t go all that will happen is he will be attacked from all sides. Especialy the one guy who is not eating at the time that is polling at 1/2% all he want to do is get even with The Donald with zero chance of winning.
Wait until the field narrows and then debate the normal ones standing.