Internet divided as RNC cancels further GOP debates as Donald Trump refuses to participate

WASHINGTON, DC: The Republican National Committee (RNC) has terminated its plan to host any further primary debates for the 2024 presidential election after former President Donald Trump declined to participate in the four earlier debates.

However, other organizations such as news networks may still be able to organize independent debates. However, the RNC's endorsement will not be granted to such events.

The RNC’s Committee on Presidential Debates said in a statement to Politico, “We have held four successful debates across the country with the most conservative partners in the history of a Republican primary. We have no RNC debates scheduled in January and any debates currently scheduled are not affiliated with the RNC.”

“It is now time for Republican primary voters to decide who will be our next President and candidates are free to use any forum or format to communicate to voters as they see fit,” the committee said.

ABC and CNN have planned to host three Republican presidential primary debates in Iowa and New Hampshire next month.

Trump’s disinterest in participating in GOP Debates is hurting RNC financially

The fourth and purportedly final RNC debate held this week was marked by a significant decline in viewership. Only 3.2 million people watched the discussion, which was hosted by NewsNation.

This figure is in stark contrast to the 9.1 million who tuned in to the NBC-hosted debate a month earlier. Former President Trump has actively sought to undermine the events, even engaging in counterprogramming to limit their impact.

For example, instead of attending this week's debate, he participated in a friendly town hall hosted by his long-time ally, Sean Hannity.

Republican officials have reportedly taken offense to Trump's actions, with one Republican operative telling CNN that the committee views them as "an intentional slap in the face," particularly after the RNC has spent millions of dollars on Trump's growing legal bills.

Internet reacts to RNC backing out of hosting further GOP debates

People on X from both sides of the political aisle reacted to this news with some adamantly defending his decision to others calling his actions cowardly.

One user remarked, "Disgraced Trump is a coward!"

Another X user said, "Just keep on giving him stuff ... 'One Republican told CNN the committee sees it as “an intentional slap in the face” - especially after the RNC has spent millions on Trump’s mounting legal bills.'"

Another user tweeted a meme that depicted a scene from 'Captain Phillips' with Donald Trump saying, "Look at me. I'm the party now."

One X user wrote, "That's hilarious!! NOW they back out?! Ronna is a lost soul."

Another user said, "WHY should President Trump lower himself & involve himself in an activity that serves him no purpose? He KNOWS he's going to be THE Republican Candidate & everyone knows he's going to be #47."

Finally, this user tweeted, "To show how ignorant trump supporters are? They will vote for a guy who has not said any kitchen table issues, nothing on anything. Typical republican he is against everything and for absolutely nothing."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.