UNITED STATES: Donald Trump has announced that he will not participate in any of the Republican presidential debates with his rivals for the office of president.
The former president stated that the most recent survey showed him to be “legendarily” ahead of the other candidates for the position of the party’s nominee for the 2024 election. “The public knows who I am and what a successful presidency I had,” Trump, 77, wrote on social media.
The first Republican presidential primary debate is scheduled to take place on August 23. The second debate might occur the following day. At least two more debates are anticipated in the coming months.
Voting in the Republican primary election is set to commence in Iowa on January 15, 2024. However, additional debates are expected to take place to aid in narrowing down the candidates.
Recent surveys have consistently indicated that Trump, despite facing several criminal charges, currently holds the lead as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination.
In a recent message on his Truth Social platform this past Sunday, Trump stated, “New CBS POLL, just out, has me leading the field by “legendary” numbers.” He mentioned that numerous other candidates, notably Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, were significantly trailing. According to the poll by the US broadcaster, Trump held a commanding lead with 62%, well ahead of his closest rival, Mr. DeSantis, who secured 16%.
“The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had, with Energy Independence, Strong Borders & Military, Biggest EVER Tax & Regulation Cuts, No Inflation, Strongest Economy in History, & much more,” he said, adding, “I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES!” In recent months, Trump has frequently indicated his reluctance to participate in Republican debates.
He had highlighted polls that showed him to be ahead of the competition by “seemingly insurmountable numbers” and had expressed concern that the moderators and locations suggested for the debates would be “hostile” to him. Other Republican candidates for president have not yet responded to the most recent developments.
Donald Trump, who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, has faced four criminal indictments. He is set to undergo a series of trials in 2024 as he seeks another term in the White House. Trump has characterised these charges as a politically motivated “witch hunt.” The charges might, in theory, result in Trump serving a lengthy prison sentence.
However, many experts believe that a conventional prison sentence is unlikely due to the logistics, security, and politics involved in imprisoning a former president.
Also Read: Examining the Pros and Cons of RICO Charges in Trump’s Georgia Indictment
