Former President Donald Trump is “unlikely” to participate in the Republican Party’s primary debates, according to one of his top advisors.
In an interview Tuesday on “The Hill” on NewsNation, senior Trump advisor Jason Miller, said, “At the moment, President Trump has indicated that he’s unlikely to participate, at least in the first two debates.”
“It really wouldn’t make much sense for him to go and debate right now with a bunch of folks who are down at three, four and five percent,” Miller continued.
“So ultimately, President Trump will make a decision as we get closer,” he concluded. “He has not said anything definitive, one way or the other. I’m not expecting him to participate, though.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is Trump’s top challenger in the primary as the rest of the candidates poll in the low-single digits.
DeSantis told Fox News last week that he will be at the debate regardless of whether or not Trump shows up.
“I’ll be there, regardless,” DeSantis asserted. “I hope everybody who is eligible comes. I think it is an important part of the process, and I look forward to being able to be on the stage and introducing our candidacy and our vision and our leadership to a wide audience.”
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu mocked Trump this week over speculation that he may seek to avoid participating in the debates because he may not perform well.
Sununu made the remarks during an interview on Fox News with host Sandra Smith when she asked what the debates would look like without Trump there.
“Former President Trump, the tough guy?” Sununu said while laughing. “The guy that says he’s gonna fight for America, but he’s not willing to stand up, he’s gonna wimp out? Wimp out and not get on that debate stage?”
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R) on Trump potentially avoiding debates: “Former President Trump, the tough guy? The guy that says he’s gonna fight for America, but he’s not willing to stand up, he’s gonna wimp out? Wimp out and not get on that debate stage?” pic.twitter.com/LHUcmtMjOc
— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) July 11, 2023