Sept. 27 (UPI) — The second Republican primary debate is underway at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif.

Unlike in the first debate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis directly addressed former President Donald Trump, who is seen as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. As candidates discussed the ongoing United Auto Workers union strike, DeSantis said working-class Americans were struggling because of reckless federal spending.

He called on Trump and President Joe Biden to answer for it.

“Donald Trump is missing in action,” DeSantis said. “He should be on this stage tonight. He owes it to you to defend his record. He added $7 trillion in debt.”

Trump, who is widely seen as the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, has again skipped the debate. Trump is instead speaking at an event at an automotive supplier in Detroit.

Seven candidates are on stage for the second time in just over a month, facing questions from moderators Stuart Varney and Dana Perino of FOX, and Ilia Calderon of Univision. The debate is being aired on FOX Business, FOX News and Univision.

DeSantis, Vice President Mike Pence, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy are participating.

Christie also took early opportunities to critique Trump’s term as president and his absence at yet another debate. Like DeSantis, he was critical of federal spending under Trump and plan to build a wall at the southern border.

“Trump failed on this as well. He built 52 miles of wall — and said Mexico would pay for it,” Christie said. “If they knew he was only going to build 52 miles they may have agreed to pay for it.”

Scott shared an early look at the debate stage on Wednesday, posing for a photo with his nephew at his podium.