Trump will hold a closed-door fundraiser during the next Republican debate

According to two sources familiar with the matter, former President Trump will host a private fundraiser in Florida during the upcoming Republican presidential debate. This will be the first time he does not hold a public event to counterprogram the debate.

The fundraiser, held in Hallandale Beach, will be for Trump's joint fundraising committee, which includes his campaign and leadership PAC. Real estate developers Steve Witkoff, Howard Lorber, and Kristin Bell will be hosting the event. In a recent fundraising email, Trump invited supporters to contribute to his joint fundraising committee for a chance to be his VIP guest at the "end-of-year" reception in Hallandale Beach.

Trump has chosen to skip the first three Republican debates, and he plans to do so again next Wednesday, while his opponents will be on stage in Alabama. The debate will be hosted by NewsNation.

During the first GOP debate, an interview between Trump and conservative pundit Tucker Carlson was broadcasted on social media platform X. Moving on to the second debate, Trump chose an auto parts company in Michigan as the location for a campaign event.

He also organized a separate campaign rally near the venue of the third debate, which took place in Miami. When questioned about the absence of a public event this time around, the campaign hold back from offering a response.