RNC Chair Says It Would Be ‘a Mistake’ for Trump to Skip Primary Debates

Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, in Dana Point, Calif., on Jan. 27, 2023. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), said on Wednesday that it would be “a mistake” for former President Donald Trump to skip the GOP’s first primary debates next month.

Mr. Trump, citing his lead in national polls, has indicated on several occasions that he is considering skipping the debate, to be hosted by Fox News on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.