By Smartencyclopedia Staff *

Former President Donald Trump, along with five other candidates, has reportedly met the Republican National Committee’s fundraising and polling requirements to be invited to participate in the first GOP presidential primary debate in August.

The qualified candidates, according to Politico’s tracking, include Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott.

While former Vice President Mike Pence met the polling criteria, his campaign has yet to gather the required 40,000 donors needed to qualify.

To meet the qualifications, candidates must achieve at least 1% support in three national polls or 1% support in two national polls and 1% support in a state poll for Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, or South Carolina. Additionally, they must secure a minimum of 40,000 unique donors to their campaign committee.

The first GOP primary debate is scheduled for August 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and if enough candidates qualify, the Republican National Committee will hold a second debate on August 24.

While it remains uncertain whether Trump will participate in the debates, given his significant lead in polls over other candidates, he had previously expressed hesitation in committing to them.

Source: With Agencies