Rivals attack Donald Trump in second Republican presidential debate

Republican presidential candidates, from left, North Dakota governor Doug Burgum, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida governor Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Senator Tim Scott, and former Vice President Mike Pence (Mark Terrill/AP)

Several of Donald Trump’s rivals stepped up their attacks against him in the second Republican presidential debate, urgently trying to dent the former president’s commanding primary lead during an event that often seemed like an undercard without him.

Mr Trump went to Michigan, aiming to capitalise on the carworkers’ strike in a key state that could help decide the general election.