Donald Trump Drops Out of Controversial CPAC Speech

Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump has dropped out of his Saturday speaking slot at the Conservative Political Action Conference, a move that follows an uproar from opponents over his initial inclusion in the annual event.

“Very disappointed [Donald Trump] has decided at the last minute to drop out of #CPAC — his choice sends a clear message to conservatives,” the official CPAC Twitter account posted on Friday.

Trump’s campaign announced that he would, instead, appear at a rally in Wichita, Kansas ahead of the state’s caucuses on Saturday. He will then travel to Orlando, Fla. for another event.

“Because of this, he will not be able to speak at CPAC as he has done for many consecutive years,” the press release stated, adding that Trump looks forward to returning next year.

Trump had been scheduled to speak on Saturday morning, which was met with backlash from conservatives trying to stop Trump’s rise to the party nomination. Opponents felt his inclusion in the event rewarded the businessman’s outlandish campaign and would further help him win over more mainstream conservatives, Politico reported this week.