The first GOP primary debate is set to take place Wednesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Leading the polls by a wide margin, former president Donald Trump confirmed that he will not attend.

The former president proclaimed "The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had" on Truth Social. Though he doesn't plan to attend, the former president is already dominating the stage as his competitors prepare for the debate.

Trump Says 'No' to GOP Debate

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called Trump a "certified loser, verified coward" on X, after The New York Times broke the news that he wouldn't be attending.

"Surprise, surprise… the guy who is out on bail from four jurisdictions and can’t defend his reprehensible conduct, is running scared and hiding from the debate stage," Christie wrote.

"You know, I served alongside the president for a long time, and one thing I realized about him is it's not over till it's over," former vice president Mike Pence said, suggesting Trump may still attend during an ABC interview.

“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 continued.

Other candidates, like rising star Vivek Ramaswamy, are taking his absence as an opportunity. "This is my chance to introduce myself to the country & so I have no issue with whatever decision he wants to make," Ramaswamy said, according to Semafor reporter Shelby Talcott.

Trump's latest indictment has dampened his reputation, and a debate strategy that would shield him from a political downfall may be out of reach.

"I fully expect to see Donald Trump on that debate stage... But if he doesn't show up on that debate stage, that will be the best proof that the Donald Trump of today is not the same Donald Trump as in 2016," Ramaswamy said in May.