Former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) on Friday praised Donald Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE for his last-minute decision to skip the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

Trump was right to skip CPAC. The votes are in Kansas not Washington. Why give the anti-trump activists a target — Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) March 4, 2016

CPAC organizers announced Friday that the GOP presidential front-runner had dropped out of his commitment to speak at the conference on Saturday morning.

Very disappointed @realDonaldTrump has decided at the last minute to drop out of #CPAC -- his choice sends a clear message to conservatives. — CPAC (@CPAC) March 4, 2016

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The real estate mogul's campaign issued a statement shortly after saying he would instead be campaigning in Kansas and Florida.

“Because of this, he will not be able to speak at CPAC as he has done for many consecutive years,” the statement read. “Mr. Trump would like to thank Matt Schlapp and all of the executives at CPAC and looks forward to returning to next year, hopefully as President of the United States.”