Former United States President Donald Trump has confirmed he will not be attending the debates to pick the next Republican candidate.
The first Republican primary debate will take place on August 23. It will see those wanting to be the party’s hopeful battle it out in a series of debates.
But the ex-president says latest polls show he had “legendary” numbers ahead of other candidates wanting to be the party’s nominee for the 2024 election, reports the BBC.
Trump, 77, wrote on social media: “The public knows who I am and what a successful Presidency I had.”
The first Republican debate will take place on August 23 with the second possibly taking place the following day. At least two more will then take place in the coming months.
Voting will then begin in Iowa on January 15. Polls have consistently shown that Trump, who faces a number of criminal charges, is currently favourite to secure the Republican nomination.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump wrote: “New CBS POLL, just out, has me leading the field by “legendary” numbers.”
He said other candidates – including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence – lag behind in terms of popularity.
Trump added: “The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had, with Energy Independence, Strong Borders & Military, Biggest EVER Tax & Regulation Cuts, No Inflation, Strongest Economy in History, & much more.
“I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES!”
In recent months Trump had suggested he would not be taking part in the debates. He has suggested moderates and possible venues could be “hostile” towards him.
Trump, the 45th US President, currently faces four criminal indictments – something he describes as a “political witchhunt”. It means he will have a series of court appearances to attend while attempting to navigate a presidential campaign.
