US Republican Presidential hopeful Trump irks news channel and opponents through boycott

Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the US presidential election nominations, known for his blunt-speaking, has refused to participate in the debate that Fox News is hosting before Iowa's first-in-the-nation nominating contest.

Trump's refusal has irked both the news channel and his opponents.

Trump tweeted Pathetic attempt by @foxnews to try and build up ratings for the #GOPDebate. Without me they'd have no ratings!

His campaign statement, also posted on twitter, said Mr Trump knows a bad deal when he sees one. 

Addresing a large crowd in Marshalltown, Iowa,  Trump had expressed his irritation that Fox News planned to have anchor Megyn Kelly as the moderator.

Kelly's questioning of Trump at a debate in Aug 2015 had left him angry.

As opponents and Fox News have upped the ante against Trump's refusal to participate in the debate, Trump tweeted  I refuse to call Megyn Kelly a bimbo, because that would not be politically correct. Instead I will only call her a lightweight reporter.

The news channel, in a retaliatory statement to the media said Trump‘s conduct can only be described as trolling of the highest order.

According to media reports, Trump's supporters in Iowa are not unduly concerned about his decision to boycott the debate on Fox News. But experts feel that Iowa Republicans may like to take one more look at who they want as their presidential candidate and the boycott could prove costly for Trump.

Reportedly, Trump will be holding an event to raise money for US military veterans when Fox News will be holding the debate.