Trump could skip first Republican debate and hold a different event

(Patria) - Former US President Donald Trump said he might not participate in the first Republican Party primary debate in August and could hold an alternative event, citing his lead in opinion polls and claiming the host TV network is biased against him.

In a phone interview with Reuters, Trump said "probably not" when asked if he would be at the debate to be hosted by Fox News in Milwaukee on August 23. Trump called Fox News, which he has criticized for not covering his campaign events, a "hostile network" and said he saw little benefit in debating candidates like former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie who are far behind him in the polls.

"Why would I give them the time to make statements? Why would I do that when I'm up by 50 and 60 points?" Trump said.

National polls have consistently shown him leading the Republican primary race by a wide margin. A Reuters/Ipsos poll earlier this month showed about 43% of self-identified Republicans said Trump was their preferred candidate, compared with 22% who chose Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Christie was at 2%.

Christie, a former Trump ally who is now one of his fiercest critics, has accused the former president of being afraid to engage in debates for fear of losing his lead in the race.

Trump said he has offers to hold a special event during the debate or later that evening. "We've had many offers, whether it's a rally or an interview from somebody else," he said.

"Not to brag, but the debate won't be very exciting if I'm not there," he added.