Summary:
- Former President Donald Trump announces his decision to skip the first Republican debate of the 2024 race.
- Trump justifies his decision by stating that the public is aware of his successful presidency and that he won't participate in debates.
- Trump's rivals continue their campaign activities as he plans to counter program the debate through other media appearances.
- Sources reveal that Trump has taped an interview with conservative talk show host Tucker Carlson.
- Legal issues loom over Trump as he is expected to surrender to authorities in Georgia to face charges related to the 2020 election and mishandling of classified documents.
- Former associates like Mark Meadows and Mike Pence express lack of awareness regarding Trump's declassification actions.
- Trump's decision sets the stage for seven other candidates to participate in the upcoming debate.
The Republican presidential contenders are gearing up for their first debate of the 2024 race, but the frontrunner, former President Donald Trump, says he's out. ABC's Rachel Scott has the latest.
This morning, Donald Trump is out, announcing he will not participate in the first Republican debate on Wednesday. Writing, the public knows who I am and what a successful presidency I had. I will therefore not be doing the debates. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie calling him a coward. If he's not tough enough and honest enough and smart enough, stand on the same stage with me and debate these issues, then it's time to come back tomorrow, logo and retire.
Trump still holds a commanding lead over his rivals and now plans to counter program the debate. Sources tell ABC News the former president already taped an interview with conservative talk show host Tucker Carlson. While his rivals hit the campaign trail this week, Trump is expected to surrender to authorities in Georgia to face charges that he tried to overturn the 2020 election. The former president is also accused of mishandling classified documents in a separate case, offering up this defense. Everything was declassified because I had the right to declassify. But sources tell ABC News his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows, told special counsel investigators he could not recall Trump ever declassifying broad sets of classified material. And Trump's former vice president, Mike Pence, says he wasn't aware of that either.
I don't have any knowledge of any, any broad based directive from the president, but that doesn't mean it didn't occur. I just, it's not something that I ever heard about. The former president faces four indictments, 91 charges total. As Trump prepares to surrender to authorities in Georgia, his rivals will be preparing to take that debate stage. So far, seven candidates are expected to participate. Rachel Scott, ABC News, Washington.
In the midst of anticipation for the first Republican debate of the 2024 race, former President Donald Trump's decision to skip the event has raised questions about his strategy and potential legal challenges he faces. With the campaign trail heating up, the stage is set for other contenders to make their case to the voters.