Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would not commit to endorsing the Republican nominee if he doesn’t win the GOP presidential primary.
What Happened: Trump, in an interview on the conservative cable network Newsmax, has voiced his unwillingness to sign a pledge to support the Republican nominee should he fail to win the GOP presidential primary.
This pledge is a prerequisite for inclusion in the first debate set for later this month.
"Why would I sign it?" Trump said.
See Also: Trump Slammed For Expressing Desire To Reside Outside US: ‘He Hates America’
"I can name three or four people that I wouldn't support for president. So right there, there's a problem."
Despite his refusal to sign the loyalty pledge, Trump commended Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.
The decision on whether Trump will participate in the debate, scheduled for Aug. 23 in Milwaukee, is anticipated next week. His refusal to sign the pledge indicates he might skip the debate despite his lead in polls.
Meanwhile, Trump brushed off taunts from ex-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, saying there’s no advantage in debating when he’s leading significantly.
Eight candidates, including Ex-Vice President Mike Pence, have qualified for the debate. The criteria include securing at least 1% in three national or early-state polls and obtaining at least 40,000 donors from 20 or more states.
The candidates must also sign a statement committing not to participate in any non-party-sanctioned debates and to support the primary winner. Some candidates, such as Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and former Texas Representative Will Hurd, have criticized the pledge, with Hurd explicitly stating he will not sign it.
Why It Matters: The pledge requires a candidate not to run as an independent or third-party candidate and to endorse the GOP nominee.
Despite multiple indictments and potential trials, Trump remains intent on running for president in the 2024 election. There is no legal precedent that would prevent Trump from running for or winning the presidency, even if convicted or sentenced.
The 2024 presidential election could potentially see a repeat of the 2020 race between President Joe Biden and Trump. The poll suggests that Biden would defeat both Trump and Ron DeSantis, albeit with a narrow advantage.
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