Former American President Donald Trump has affirmed that he will not partake in the Republican presidential debates alongside his competitors in the race for the presidency.
The ex-president cited a recent poll that indicated he was ahead of other contenders for the party’s nomination in the 2024 election, describing his numbers as “legendary.” Mr. Trump, aged 77, conveyed his thoughts on social media, emphasizing his successful presidency and the public’s familiarity with him.
The initial Republican primary debate is scheduled for August 23, with a potential second debate on the following day, and more debates planned in the coming months.
The voting process for the Republican primary begins on January 15, 2024, in Iowa, and additional debates are expected to narrow down the field. Recent polls consistently place Mr. Trump as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, despite facing multiple criminal charges.
On his Truth Social platform, he declared, “I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES!” Trump had previously hinted at not participating in debates, citing his lead in polls and concerns about moderator bias. Other Republican candidates have not yet commented on this development.
Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, faces multiple criminal indictments and will be undergoing several trials as he campaigns again for the White House in 2024.
He describes the charges against him as a political “witch hunt”.
The charges could – in theory – lead to substantial prison time if Mr Trump is convicted.
But the logistics, security, and politics of jailing a former president mean a conventional prison sentence is seen as unlikely by many experts.