Trump will not participate in first RNC debate, will hold interview with Tucker Carlson instead

After months of speculation, former President Donald Trump confirmed that he would not be participating in the first RNC debate and will likely instead hold an interview with conservative personality Tucker Carlson.

The New York Times first broke the news that Trump was skipping the first debate and that he will be countering the RNC debate with the Carlson interview.

Trump doesn't want to give his opponents more exposure, and attending the debate would do exactly that. With him leading in every state by double digits, there simply was no reason for him to debate.

Furthermore, an interview with Carlson would likely heavily undercut the debate, as conservatives would be more likely to tune in to listen to an interview with Trump than what is happening on stage.

Carlson is one of the most popular figures on the right next to Trump, and the two of them together could effectively counter-program the RNC and humiliate them.

While the interview hasn't been confirmed yet, it does seem to be nearly certain at this point. If it does go ahead, it will likely send shock waves throughout the nation.