The potential interview with Carlson, who left his prime-time slot on Fox abruptly amid rumors of tension between the host and Fox leadership, would be a slap in the face to the network once lauded by Trump.

Other candidates aren’t too happy, either. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has attempted to goad the former president onto the debate stage, called Trump a “certified loser, verified coward” in a post on X following the Times report that the former president would be absent from the first debate.

“I think every one of us that have qualified for that debate stage ought to be on the stage, be willing to square off, answer the tough questions, and also draw a bright line contrast,” Pence said Sunday.