Former US President Donald Trump, a leading contender for the Republican nomination in the upcoming US presidential elections, has decided to skip the initial Republican primary debate. Instead, he will engage in a one-on-one interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
Despite expressing a strong lead in polls against other contenders and citing his exceptional record, Trump’s decision is attributed to his concerns about sharing the debate stage with lower-polling rivals.
The interview with Tucker Carlson is expected to coincide with the Republican primary debate on August 26.
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Trump’s decision to forego the debate does not shield him from scrutiny. He faces a series of legal battles stemming from various criminal and civil trials associated with his time before, during, and after his presidency. His presence or absence at the debate won’t diminish the attention focused on these legal challenges.
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The Republican National Committee has set a deadline for Trump to make his final decision by Monday. The Fox News team is reportedly preparing for two scenarios for the debate—one if Trump attends and another if he does not.
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