Exclusive-Trump says may skip first Republican debate, hold rival event

FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends his first campaign rally after announcing his candidacy for president in the 2024 election at an event in Waco, Texas, U.S., March 25, 2023. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo

(Reuters) - Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he might not participate in the Republican Party's first 2024 election primary debate in August and may hold an alternative event, citing his lead in opinion polls and what he claims is the hosting network's bias against him.

In a telephone interview with Reuters, Trump said "possibly not" when asked if he would be at the debate, to be hosted by Fox News in Milwaukee on Aug. 23.