Withdraws as GOP debate moderator to float independent run

Trump announced he would not moderate the Newsmax/ION Television GOP debate scheduled for December 27, claiming it would be a conflict of interest because he was "not willing to give up my right to run as an Independent candidate." The debate had already been boycotted by major candidates like Mitt Romney and Ron Paul, who refused to be moderated by a reality TV star. Trump spun the rejection as a strategic choice to keep his own presidential options open.

"I am not willing to give up my right to run as an Independent candidate." — Statement withdrawing from debate