Trump, 5 rivals near qualifying threshold for first Republican debate

Former President Donald Trump and five rivals on Tuesday reportedly met the Republican National Committee's fundraising requirements to be invited to participate in the first GOP presidential primary debate in August. All six need one more poll to make the debate stage.

In addition to Trump, the other candidates include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, according to Politico's tracking of candidates.

Politico originally reported that the six had qualified for the debate due to a misinterpretation of the debate qualification standards.  

Former Vice President Mike Pence is in the same boat regarding the polling criteria but said Tuesday that his campaign also has yet to reach the 40,000 donors required to qualify.

In order to qualify, candidates must poll at least 1% in three national polls or 1% in two national polls and 1% in two state polls from Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada or South Carolina.  The two state polls must be from different states.

Additionally, candidates must have a minimum of 40,000 unique donors to their campaign committee.

The first GOP primary debate is scheduled for Aug. 23 in Milwaukee, Wisc., and if enough candidates qualify, the Republican National Committee will hold a second debate on Aug. 24.

It is unclear whether Trump will even participate in the debates. Earlier this year he hesitated to commit to the debates, given that he is far ahead of all other candidates in polls.

Madeleine Hubbard is an international correspondent for Just the News. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.