Former President Donald Trump has reportedly made a decision on whether he will attend the first Republican presidential primary debate.
The New York Times reported Friday, “In the past 24 hours, Mr. Trump has told people close to him that he has made up his mind and will skip the debate in Milwaukee, according to two of the people briefed on the matter.”
“Until earlier this week, Mr. Trump had been giving people the impression he was considering a last-minute surprise appearance on Wednesday,” it added.
Instead, he has reportedly decided to give an interview to former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
CNN reports, “The timing for the Carlson interview has yet to be determined… but it is expected to air around the same time as the debate.”
In a post on Truth Social Thursday, Trump suggested he would not participate in the debate.
“Many people are asking whether or not I will be doing the DEBATES? ALL AMERICANS have been clamoring for a President of extremely High Intelligence. As everyone is aware, my Poll numbers, over a “wonderful” field of Republican candidates, are extraordinary,” Trump wrote.
He added, “In fact, I am leading the runner up, whoever that may now be, by more than 50 Points. Reagan didn’t do it, and neither did others. People know my Record, one of the BEST EVER, so why would I Debate? I’M YOUR MAN. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Check out the post below:
Trump releases statement on attending the first GOP debate: “People know my record” pic.twitter.com/5DB6mGjFc4
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) August 18, 2023
According to RealClearPolitics’ average of polls, the former president receives 54.7% of the vote, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) comes in second at 14.8%.
Carlson parted ways with Fox News in April.
He has started a new version of his show on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
