Fox News Channel announced Monday that their fourth GOP presidential primary debate will be held Monday, March 21 at the the Salt Palace Convention Center at 7 p.m.
Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., left, reacts as Republican presidential candidate, businessman Donald Trump speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate at The University of Houston, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
GOP front-runner Donald Trump said explicitly he will not attend on 'Fox and Friends' saying he was never told about the debate. Trump made comments on March 11 that suggested that he was done with debates and wasn't sure if he would participate in the Salt Lake City debate.
Further, Trump's feud with Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly—who was announced as a moderator—casted further doubt on his attendance.
Ohio governor John Kasich will not attend the date despite having three events scheduled on March 18, three days before the debate. Tweets by Kasich campaign strategist John Weaver Wednesday morning said implied that the Salt Lake debate would fold becuase of Trump's absence.
No debate in SLC Monday due to Trump backing out. No surprise Trump avoiding contrast. Utah: @JohnKasich headed your way Fri.
— John Weaver (@JWGOP) March 16, 2016
Fox anchors Bret Bair and Chris Wallace will also host the debate, completing the same moderating crew for previous Fox News debates.
Fox News Channel representatives wouldn't clarify which Republican candidates would participate in the debate.
GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump's participation is unknown in part due to a feud with Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly.
The Universe has contacted the campaigns of Trump, Ohio Gov. John Kasish, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Texas senator Ted Cruz inquiring about their participation. The campaigns didn't return several attempts at correspondence.
The previous debates delivered the three highest-rated telecasts in Fox News Channel history, according to a press release. The release also stated that the March 3 debate in
The Fox Channel Detroit had the highest ratings for all 2016 debates.