In a recent interview with Newsmax host Eric Bolling, former President Donald Trump made a surprising announcement regarding his support for the Republican party's eventual 2024 nominee. Trump stated that he will not pledge to support the nominee, a requirement to participate in the first GOP presidential primary debate. The pledge, known as the "Beat Biden pledge," was introduced by RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel to prevent infighting within the party during the primaries and general election.

Trump expressed his reluctance to sign the pledge, citing certain individuals on the list whom he would not endorse or support for president. He specifically mentioned three or four people he would not back, indicating his reservations about fully committing to the party's nominee. This stance contradicts Trump's previous suggestion that he might not support the eventual winner of the Republican nomination.

Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have both signed the pledge, showcasing their support for the party's nominee. Ramaswamy became the first GOP candidate to officially sign the pledge, while DeSantis's campaign tweeted an image of the governor's signature on the document. The tweet confirmed DeSantis's participation in the August 23 debate and outlined the consequences for not signing the pledge or participating in unsanctioned debates.

RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel herself has also signed the pledge, emphasizing its significance in determining eligibility for the party's official debates. The pledge, part of the larger process of qualifying for the Republican primary debates, asks candidates to affirm that if they do not win the 2024 Republican nomination, they will honor the will of the primary voters and support the nominee without attempting a third-party or write-in campaign.

However, Trump's refusal to commit to attending the Milwaukee debate has raised doubts about his participation. He has indicated that he does not see much upside in participating, despite enjoying debates and receiving positive feedback on his debating skills. Trump mentioned that he wants to be a “smart” president and make the right decision, implying that he is evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of participating in the debate.

Signing the pledge and meeting the RNC's polling and fundraising requirements are crucial factors in qualifying for the Republican primary debates. Candidates must reach 1% in three national polls or 1% in two national polls and two state-specific polls from the early voting states. Additionally, they must have 40,000 unique donors to their campaign committee, with a minimum of 200 unique donors per state or territory in at least 20 states or territories recognized by the RNC. These criteria aim to ensure a diverse and competitive field for the primary debates.

The issue of signing the pledge has become a point of contention within the Republican party, highlighting the divisions and differing opinions among potential candidates. Trump's refusal to commit, contrasted with DeSantis and Ramaswamy's endorsement of the pledge, underscores the challenges the party faces in finding unity and ensuring a smooth nomination process.

The upcoming 2024 GOP presidential primary debates will play a crucial role in shaping the party's nomination process and determining the eventual nominee who will face President Joe Biden in the general election. As the Republican party navigates these debates and the accompanying pledge, the political landscape will undoubtedly face further shifts and developments in the coming months.