Former U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Nikki Haley, then-U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, within the Oval Office of the White House on in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 9, 2018.
Olivier Douliery | AFP | Getty Images
WASHINGTON — ABC News has introduced it won’t transfer ahead with its Republican presidential main debate in New Hampshire on Thursday, hours after Nikki Haley mentioned she wouldn’t take part in additional debates until front-runner Donald Trump is on stage.
“Our intent was to host a debate popping out of the Iowa caucuses, however we at all times knew that might be contingent on the candidates and the result of the race,” an ABC News spokesperson advised CNBC. “As a outcome, whereas our strong election protection will proceed, ABC News and WMUR-TV won’t be shifting ahead with Thursday’s Republican presidential main debate in New Hampshire.”
Trump gained a landslide victory Monday within the Iowa Caucus, the primary contest of the 2024 presidential nomination. Haley positioned third in Iowa, with 19.1% of the vote.
On Tuesday, Haley accused Trump of “ducking” the debates.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis accused Haley of not wanting to reply “robust questions” on matters resembling her alleged dealings with aircraft manufacturer Boeing whereas she was governor of South Carolina.
“The actuality is that she just isn’t operating for the nomination, she’s operating to be Trump’s VP,” DeSantis posted to X, previously generally known as Twitter, on Tuesday. “I will not snub New Hampshire voters like each Nikki Haley and Donald Trump, and plan to honor my commitments. I look ahead to debating two empty podiums within the Granite State this week.”
The next GOP primary debate is scheduled for Thursday, days earlier than the New Hampshire main on Jan. 23. Polls have Haley running just behind Trump within the state, some polls by as little as 7 factors.
— This story has been up to date to embrace ABC’s announcement.
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