Gaetz: Trump appearance at debate would ‘platform people who have no real likelihood to become president’

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R) said Tuesday that former President Trump would only “platform” candidates who are considered long shots to win the presidency if he appeared at the first GOP primary debate.

“Well, President Trump would do nothing but platform people who have no real likelihood to become president,” Gaetz said in an interview on NewsNation, adding that Trump “is focused on beating Joe Biden.”

Gaetz also said he believes the former president has “some alternate programming in mind.” 

Gaetz, who spoke from Milwaukee a day before candidates take to the stage, also noted Trump holds a “commanding lead” right now. 

Trump announced Sunday night he would not attend the debate, citing a CBS News poll that showed him with 62 percent of the likely GOP primary vote, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis trailing at 16 percent. The announcement ended months of speculations over whether he would participate after he signaled several times he might not attend. Trump will instead participate in an online interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

“Folks who are interested in his [Trump’s] message will be able to tune into that without having to endure whatever mumblings from Chris Christie you’re going to be uttered,” Gaetz said on Tuesday, referring to the former New Jersey governor, who is also running for the White House.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) announced Tuesday the list of eight candidates who have met the debate criteria, which included polling and donor requirements, as well as a loyalty pledge vowing to support the eventual Republican nominee in 2024.

The qualifying candidates are DeSantis, Christie, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. 

Trump has said several times he would not sign a loyalty pledge.

NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill.