The ‘Why’ Behind Donald Trump Snubbing the Next Republican Debate
Following the most recent Republican presidential debate, GOP front-runner Donald Trump appeared surprised that there was another debate coming up in Salt Lake City.
At the time, he suggested there had been “enough debates,” and that he hoped the Republican National Committee would consider cancelling it. That didn’t happen, but Trump seems to be sticking to his guns—again—by announcing Wednesday morning he will skip the debate, which will be televised next Monday night by FOX News Channel.
“I think we have had enough debates,” he told FNC’s Fox & Friends hosts. “We have had 11 or 12 debates. I did really well on the last one. I think I have done well in all the debates, but I think we’ve had enough. How many times can the same people ask you the same question?”
Instead, Trump is scheduled to speak at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s annual policy conference in Washington, D.C. The prominent pro-Israel group announced the GOP front-runner’s commitment to speak last week.
Trump will be among several other notable speakers, including Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Vice President Joe Biden. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also expected to address those in attendance via a live satellite video uplink.
“I’m making a very major speech in front of a very important group of people,” Trump told the FOX News hosts Wednesday.
This would mark the second time Trump has skipped out on the network. He also skipped a FNC-moderated debate just before the Iowa Caucus because he said he didn’t expect to be treated fairly. And many observers noted his appearance at the most recent FOX debate was anything but “fair and balanced” as the entire event descended into acrimony and vulgarity.
Trump previously spoke before AIPAC in December, and may be attempting to mend fences with his appearance next week. At his last appearance, he was booed for not declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel, and for telling attendees he didn’t want their money.
“You’re not gonna support me because I don’t want your money,” he said. “You want to control your politicians, that’s fine. Five months ago I was with you. I do want your support, but I don’t want your money.”
