Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, has publicly criticized former President Donald Trump for declining to participate in debates with fellow Republican presidential contenders.

In an interview with the Howie Carr Show on Wednesday, DeSantis, whose recent polling figures have been disappointing, confirmed his participation in the first debate of the 2024 primary, set to occur in Wisconsin on August 23.

“Nobody is entitled to this nomination. You have got to earn the nomination,” DeSantis stressed during the interview. The conversation also touched upon the upcoming Iowa Family Leader Summit, hosted by Tucker Carlson, from which Trump has also withdrawn.

“Events like The Family Leader in Iowa, and debates like these, are significant components of the process,” DeSantis noted. “So, I'll be attending the Iowa event, I'll be present at the Milwaukee debate, and I plan on participating in all debates.”

“It is crucial for the American people to hear from us directly about our plans for the nation and how we aim to defeat Joe Biden,” he further added.

Trump, meanwhile, has refrained from providing a definitive answer about his presence at the inaugural debate. Insiders close to the former president suggest he views the situation as beneath his stature.

DeSantis countered, “Considering the Biden-Trump face-off in 2020, which resulted in Biden’s presidency, the notion of entitlement doesn't hold. Trump should take part in the debates, attend all events, and try to secure the nomination through his vision.”

In addition to DeSantis, other notable competitors for the nomination include Nikki Haley, Mike Pence, Tim Scott, and Vivek Ramaswamy.

DeSantis didn't mince his words when criticizing Trump for falling short on campaign promises made during his initial presidential run.

“From what I've observed, his campaign is essentially premised on two things. One, he's pledging actions like draining the swamp and building the wall—promises he made in 2016 and didn't fulfill,” DeSantis observed.