Trump declines GOP loyalty pledge, says he decided on first debate

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (FLV) – Former President Donald Trump told Newsmax’s Eric Bolling that he sees no reason to sign a 2024 Republican Party presidential loyalty pledge.

Speaking with Bolling about his reluctance to debate, he criticized the concept of such a pledge, where he would be required to support the nominee if he wants to participate in the GOP primary debates.

“I have a problem with the debate for another reason: I wouldn’t sign the pledge,” he declared. “Why would I sign a pledge? There are people on there that I wouldn’t have, I wouldn’t have certain people [as president].”

“So, they want you to sign a pledge, but I can name three or four people that I wouldn’t support for president,” he continued. “So, right there, there’s a problem.”

Pressed by Bolling on which candidates he wouldn’t endorse, Trump did not want to specifically name them, but believed those candidates have no electoral viability anyway.

On debating, Trump said he’s pondered to himself, “What’s the upside?”

“Am I going to go at one point? But they could go up, you know,” he said. “They’re not dumb people, they’re senators, they are governors, they’re intelligent people. You have some very good people.”

Trump had recently hinted at not debating, saying he could watch from afar to contemplate if any of the given candidates on stage could be his vice president pick.

“Let them debate so I can see who I MIGHT consider for Vice President,” he taunted on social media last month.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the pledge Wednesday, a requirement to debate.

DeSantis has said he will debate, and urged Trump and every other candidate who qualifies to do the same, arguing nobody is “entitled” to the GOP nomination.

The pledge, entitled the “Beat Biden Pledge,” was released by Team DeSantis Wednesday evening.

The candidate who signs must agree to only participating in Republican National Committee-sanctioned debates during the presidential election cycle, along with affirming they will “support the nominee in order to save our country and beat Joe Biden.”

It also requires candidates to not run as an independent or write-in candidate, or accept the nomination from any other political party.