Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who now has a massively successful new show that reaches far beyond Fox News' audience, is set to host the first forum for the 2024 Republican presidential candidates. 

According to the Daily Caller, shocking news regarding the event occurred this week when it was announced that former President Donald Trump will skip the forum.

Trump, by far, leads his Republican opponents for the 2024 primary in virtually every poll, and by large margins in many.

Carlson is set to interview six of the leading Republican candidates.

The announcement

The event was put on by Blaze Media and the Iowa-based The Family Leader organization. The news was tweeted on Tuesday morning that Trump will not be taking part.

I learned last night that @realDonaldTrump will NOT attend our Leadership Summit this Friday. Thus, our lineup is set: @votetimscott @AsaHutchinson @Mike_Pence @NikkiHaley @VivekGRamaswamy and @RonDeSantis will have visionary, one on one, discussion with @TuckerCarlson #FLS23 #ChooseWell2024," Bob Vander Plaats tweeted.

I learned last night that @realDonaldTrump will NOT attend our Leadership Summit this Friday. Thus, our lineup is set: @votetimscott @AsaHutchinson @Mike_Pence @NikkiHaley @VivekGRamaswamy and @RonDeSantis will have visionary, one on one, discussion with @TuckerCarlson #FLS23…

— Bob Vander Plaats (@bobvanderplaats) July 11, 2023

The Daily Caller noted:

The candidates will include South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former Vice President Mike Pence, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

The event, considered by many to be the first overview of the Republican presidential candidates, begins the countdown to the first primary vote in the nation, in Iowa, on Jan. 15, 2024.

🚨BIG NEWS: 🚨

Blaze Media is teaming up with THE FAMiLY LEADER to bring you the first presidential forum of the 2024 Republican Primary season, hosted by Tucker Carlson. We’ll be live streaming this event all day Friday, July 14th on BlazeTV and the BlazeTV YouTube channel. pic.twitter.com/YdqAfoX0VR

— TheBlaze (@theblaze) July 10, 2023

Supporters defend Trump

Many defended Trump snubbing the GOP leadership event, stating that he's so far ahead in the polls that it's not worth risking his winning streak.

"This is a GREAT decision. No need for Trump to be there. We know where Trump stands and his vision for Agenda 47. Trump doesn’t need to prove anything. Let those newcomers show what they are made of. People who are hating on Trump don’t have a life and want to see drama tv," one Twitter user wrote.

Another Twitter user added: "I find it highly ironic that The only press you’re getting for this event is the fact that DJT ISN’T attending."

Only time will tell if skipping the event helps or hurts the former president, but given his solidified lead in the polls, it doesn't seem to be much of a concern.