Washington: US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Friday he would not debate Democrat Bernie Sanders ahead of California's June 7 primary.
"Based on the fact that the Democratic nominating process is totally rigged ... it seems inappropriate that I would debate the second place finisher," Trump said in a statement.
Trump had said on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on Wednesday night that he would be willing to debate Sanders if the proceeds would go to charity.
“Yes, I am,” Trump said. "How much is he going to pay me? If he paid a nice sum toward a charity, I’d love to do that.”
Trump added to the speculation throughout the week, telling reporters Thursday he would "love to debate Bernie."
Sanders and his aides pushed hard for the debate, hoping to extend his spot in the limelight.
Sanders trails Hillary Clinton in the Democratic presidential race, but has vowed to stay in the race until the Democratic convention this summer.