Republican debate: Matt Gaetz clears the air on spin room access for Trump team
Brady Knox
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Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) cleared the air over confusion as to whether former President Donald Trump’s team would be allowed in the post-Republican debate spin room.
After initial reports suggesting that Trump’s team wouldn’t be allowed in the spin room, Gaetz clarified on Newsmax that they actually would be allowed, and a Fox News spokesperson confirmed they would be allowed as guests of a different media outlet. Gaetz chalked the back-and-forth up to a “little bit of confusion.”
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“So here’s what happened: The RNC gave control over the spin room to Fox News. We were allowed to go and observe the debate, but there was a little bit of confusion,” he said, speaking as a member of Trump’s team.
“I can tell you now that’s all been sorted out. We are going to have the Trump team in full force at this debate. We are going to have access to the spin room. We’re going to be there to observe the debate, and I can’t wait to be giving my hot takes on Newsmax afterward and share with you my perspective on how it went,” he added.”
The Florida Republican went on to tout Trump’s lead in the polls, particularly in Iowa.
A Fox News representative confirmed to the Washington Examiner that Trump’s team would be allowed in the spin room as a guest of another media outlet.
Following his decision not to attend Wednesday’s debate, Trump has hinted at opposing programming during the debate.
“I WILL BE VERY BUSY TOMORROW NIGHT – ENJOY!!!” Trump cryptically posted on Truth Social on Tuesday.
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The counterprogram appears to be a sit-down interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, which sources familiar with the matter told NBC News has already been recorded. They added that it will likely be published on Wednesday during or around the debate on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Trump’s Republican opponents will debate each other on Wednesday. The stage will consist of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND), former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.