Former US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he has no intention of taking part in the televised debates to be held as part of the Republican National Convention, the first of which is scheduled to air the day after Wednesday.

“The world knows who I am and what a successful presidency I’ve had, with energy independence, borders and a strong military, the biggest cut in taxes and regulations, no inflation, the economy stronger than ever in history, and more,” Trump assured via of the Truth Social platform, his personal creation.

“So I won’t be participating in the debates!” he added, in all caps, pointing out that he has 62% of the voting intentions of those who plan to take part in the GOP caucus, or in other words that he has a 46 percentage point lead over his most serious opponent, Florida Governor Ron DeSandis.

Mr. DeSandis is “dropping like a sick bird,” the tycoon gasped.

Persecution

Five months before the start of the internal party process that will nominate the opposition candidate in the November 2024 US presidential election, Mr Trump sees support from his base as stronger than ever. But his court adventures cast a heavy shadow over his bid to return to the White House.

The 77-year-old former president, who has been accused of — what else — a “witch hunt,” is facing criminal charges for his actions in trying to overturn the 2020 election, his handling of secrecy, and forgery of documents related to the bribery of silence. pornographic film actor.

The first debate of the candidates for the Republican nomination will take place the day after tomorrow in Milwaukee, in the northeastern United States.

Seven candidates meet the necessary criteria to participate. In attendance will be Ron DeSandis, North Dakota Governor Doug Bergum, Mr Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence, his former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and Senator Tim Scott. Also expected to join are businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, who are threatening to become players in the race given where Mr. DeSandis is in the polls in Iowa and New Hampshire, where they will be the first votes in the internal party process.

The party apparatus had given Mr. Trump until Monday to decide whether he was going to participate or not.

Despite his huge lead in the polls, aides worry that his opponents will take advantage of his absence to gain momentum.

In 2016, after missing a debate, Mr Trump suffered a caucus defeat in Iowa — won by Texas Senator Ted Cruz. For Ron DeSandis and the other suitors, the former president’s absence from the telefight in Milwaukee may prove to be a godsend.

A condition for the participation of the candidates is that they pledge to “honor the will of those who vote” in the internal party process, in other words to support the winner. But how is not explicitly mentioned.

Donald Trump has already made it clear that he has no intention of making such a commitment if he loses.

On Friday, the New York Times reported that Mr. Trump plans to interview Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News anchor who now broadcasts on X (formerly Twitter), during the debate’s scheduled broadcast time. The tempestuous tycoon’s team declined to confirm or deny.