According to Mediaite, former President Donald Trump has demanded that the Republican National Committee (RNC) cancel the remaining GOP presidential primary debates, urging them to use the saved funds to “STOP THE STEAL.” Trump cited recent polling data showing him with a substantial national lead, suggesting that further debates are unnecessary. He emphasized his strong standing in the polls, particularly against potential primary challengers, including Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley.
In a tweet, Trump highlighted polling results from Harvard/Harris, indicating that he has a significant lead over other potential Republican candidates. The survey suggested a 67% support for Trump, with DeSantis at 9%, Haley at 8%, and others trailing behind. Trump asserted a 7% to 10% lead over President Joe Biden in a hypothetical rematch of the 2020 general election.
“GREAT POLLS JUST RELEASED – BEST EVER! Harvard/Harris TRUMP 67%, DeSanctimonious [Ron DeSantis] 9%, Birdbrain [Nikki Haley] 8%, Ramaswamy 5%, Christie – dead in the water, a total loser!” began Trump. “TRUMP UP 7% to 10% on CROOKED JOE BIDEN. RNC must save money on lowest ever ratings debates. Use it against the Democrats to STOP THE STEAL! If not, REVAMP THE RNC, NOW!!!”
Despite the scheduled debates, Trump has refused to participate in any of the three primary debates organized by the RNC so far. He called on the RNC to redirect the funds allocated for the debates to challenge the Democrats and “STOP THE STEAL.” Additionally, Trump warned that if the RNC doesn’t comply with his demand, it should be revamped.
The tweet reflects Trump’s ongoing influence within the Republican Party and his confidence in his standing among GOP voters. The “STOP THE STEAL” phrase harkens back to Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud after his loss in the 2020 presidential election, which culminated in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Notably, Trump faces ongoing legal challenges, with criminal prosecutions related to his efforts to contest the election results. Special Counsel Jack Smith in Washington, D.C., indicted Trump over events surrounding January 6, while Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis filed charges against Trump for alleged involvement in a criminal racketeering enterprise to overturn Georgia’s election results.
