Donald Trump, former President of the United States and a leading candidate for the Republican nomination in the upcoming presidential elections, has made the decision to skip the initial Republican primary debate. Instead, he will engage in a one-on-one interview with Tucker Carlson, a former host on Fox News.

Trump’s choice to opt out of the debate is due to his concerns about sharing the stage with candidates who have lower polling numbers, despite his strong lead in the polls and his belief in his exceptional track record. The interview with Tucker Carlson is scheduled to take place on the same day as the Republican primary debate, which is set for August 26.

It’s important to note that Trump’s decision to not participate in the debate does not shield him from the ongoing scrutiny he faces due to legal challenges. He is currently involved in a series of legal battles stemming from criminal and civil trials related to his actions before, during, and after his presidency. The attention on these legal challenges will not diminish regardless of whether he is present or absent at the debate.

The Republican National Committee has given Trump until Monday to make his final decision. The team at Fox News is reportedly preparing for two different scenarios for the debate; one if Trump decides to attend and another if he does not.