According to one of his senior advisers, former President Trump is “unlikely” to take part in the GOP primary debates.
Top Trump advisor Jason Miller stated in an interview airing on “The Hill” on NewsNation this week that “at this time, President Trump is indicating he is not likely to take part, at least in the very first two debates.”
“For him to go out and debate at this point with a group of people that are down at the levels of three, four, even five percent just wouldn’t seem to make much sense,” Miller added.
“In the end,” he said, “President Trump will make a choice as we come closer. He hasn’t made any definite statements, either way. But I don’t anticipate him taking part.”
Trump’s primary opponent is Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, with the other contenders polling in the low single digits.
DeSantis stated to Fox News this past week that he will attend the debate whether or not Trump participates.
DeSantis said, “I’ll be there, anyway. I hope everyone who is qualified attends. I believe it to be a crucial step in the process, and I eagerly await the opportunity to take the platform and introduce our candidacy, our vision, along with our leadership to a large audience.”
Chris Sununu, the governor of New Hampshire, made fun of Trump this week in response to rumors that he could want to skip the debates because he might not do well.
When Sandra Smith questioned Sununu on Fox News about how the debates would go without Trump, Sununu made the comments.
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
“Trump, the former president, is he the tough guy?” Sununu chuckled as he spoke. “The person who pledges to defend America but is unable to take a position or is a wimp? Wimp out and decline to participate in the debate?”
