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Donald Trump has his hands full with Celebrity Apprentice, Newsmax debate nixed

By April MacIntyre Dec 13, 2011, 23:11 GMT

05/02/2011 - Donald Trump and Melanie Trump - 2011 Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Gala - Arrivals - Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York City, New York © M Van Niedek / PR Photos

The Celebrity Apprentice trumped Trump from trumping the GOP candidates for the Newsmax debate in Iowa.

Donald Trump will not moderate the Newsmax debate in Iowa later, announcing his decision in a statement saying he will not give up the option of running for president as an independent.

Politico published the statement from Trump: The Republican Party candidates are very concerned that sometime after the final episode of The Apprentice, on May 20th, when the equal time provisions are no longer applicable to me, I will announce my candidacy for President of the United States as an Independent and that, unless I conclusively agree not to run as an Independent, they will not agree to attend or be a part of the Newsmax debate scheduled for December 27, 2011.

It is very important to me that the right Republican candidate be chosen to defeat the failed and very destructive Obama Administration, but if that Republican, in my opinion, is not the right candidate, I am not willing to give up my right to run as an Independent candidate.

Therefore, so that there is no conflict of interest within the Republican Party, I have decided not to be the moderator of the Newsmax debate. The American people are embarrassed by the gridlock currently taking place in Washington. I must leave all of my options open because, above all else, we must make America great again!

I would like to thank Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum for having the courage, conviction, and confidence to immediately accept being a part of the Newsmax debate. I believe this would not only have been the most watched debate, but also the most substantive and interesting debate!"

While NBC has yet to formally announce the next cast of The Celebrity Apprentice, it seems to be one of the worst kept secrets of the new year as alleged 'CA' castmember Victoria Gotti just appeared on The Wendy Williams Show, and alluded to tension with RHONJ gorilla Teresa Guidice.

The Celebrity Apprentice will return to NBC, channel 12 in Scottsdale, in February, 2012.