The eight candidates faced off, with political novice Vivek Ramaswamy, 38, grabbing the limelight and claiming: "I'm the only person on the stage who isn't bought and paid for."
Mr Trump, who is dominating the Republican field for next year's election, skipped last night's debate, instead broadcasting a rambling interview before he turns himself in to Fulton County police to face charges of electoral fraud related to his refusal to accept defeat by Joe Biden in 2020.
Asked by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson why he was boycotting the event, Mr Trump, 77, noted his strong poll lead over Florida governor Ron DeSantis, tech entrepreneur Mr Ramaswamy and others.
In the interview, which by this morning had garnered 120 million views on the X platform (formerly Twitter), he said: "I'm saying do I sit there for an hour or two hours or whatever it's going to be and get harassed by people who shouldn't even be running for president?"
This story is from the August 24, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 24, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why are England wasting time waiting for Tuchel?
Winning the World Cup is the aim, so the new boss should start now
He's been shot, and punched by Mike Tyson, but British boxing's great survivor is back on top and aiming to rule the world
This is where the magic happens,\" reads a big neon sign scrawled across the entrance to the offices of arguably the most powerful man in British boxing today.
How Sketch went from 'obscene' to era-defining
After arocky start, the glamorous and infamous restaurant is now an institution
Money is worth less than time'
He's quit Fendi, but what will Kim Jones do next?
London's Roman Amphitheatre
Guildhall Yard, EC2V
Liberals didn't notice they'd lost relevance in the all-consuming digital sphere
There are many reasons why Donald Trump might have won the election last week.
Do we have to die?
One neuroscientist thinks the answer is no
How to have a magical Christmas in Edinburgh
From cosy cobblestone streets to abundant Yuletide goings-on, few cities rival the Scottish capital in creating Christmas whimsy.
London's best festive restaurants
The social season is upon us once more. These are the city’s most coveted Christmas venues, which need to be booked soon so as to not miss out on the tinsel and tipples.
Rag'n'Bone Man
I struggle with being recognised... I'll never really feel comfortable with it'
