Trump’s presence will be felt at presidential debate in his absence

They will likely face pressure to articulate how they would differ in style and substance from Mr Trump, who holds a commanding early lead in the polls

A Donald Trump supporter stands near the Fiserv Forum as set up continues for the upcoming Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee (Morry Gash, AP)

Donald Trump will be a central figure at the first Republican presidential primary debate on Wednesday – even though he is not taking part.

The remaining eight candidates hoping to take on President Joe Biden in the November 2024 election will confront each other in person for the first time in Milwaukee, hosted by Fox News.