Donald Trump Will Not Speak at CPAC

Oxon Hill, Md.-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will not speak at CPAC, it was announced today. The American Conservative Union tweeted just after noon that the candidate had canceled his speech. Trump was scheduled to address the conference at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Very disappointed @realDonaldTrump has decided at the last minute to drop out of #CPAC -- his choice sends a clear message to conservatives.

— CPAC (@CPAC) March 4, 2016

(UPDATE: According to a press release, Trump will be in "Witchita [sic], Kanasas [sic]."

Trump statement on not coming to CPAC pic.twitter.com/dsKwX0ddlr

— Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) March 4, 2016

On Twitter, many people expressed disappointment and amusement that Trump had canceled, and to note the stark difference in reactions to when it was reported that Sen. Marco Rubio would not attend the conference. (He's still scheduled to speak on Saturday.)

donald you're the only reason i'm even going https://t.co/yKDmIjveEW

— Erin Gloria Ryan (@morninggloria) March 4, 2016

Not surprising. It wasn't a Trump-friendly crowd. What an ass. https://t.co/26xHAi1YMV

— Emily Zanotti (@emzanotti) March 4, 2016

NEW IDEA: @CPAC should just stream @benshapiro's #CSULA @yaf lecture during @realDonaldTrump's time-slot. Much more worthwhile #CPAC2016

— Amy Lutz (@amylutz4) March 4, 2016

Trump skipping CPAC. Leightweight chocker. Sad!

— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) March 4, 2016

Awaiting this headline about Trump. pic.twitter.com/7dDQbYZ6rr

— Jimmy (@JimmyPrinceton) March 4, 2016

UPDATE: the ACU has issued a press release explaining that Trump would not be attending the conference.

This post has been updated.