Newsmax sources claim Trump turned down prime time RNC speech

On Fox News Monday morning, Donald Trump said he knew the GOP wanted him to speak at their convention at the end of this month, and he was just waiting for an invite in the mail. A report just this morning from the New York Times said that the Donald may still get an invite, and in an interview with the paper Trump frankly explained his appeal with voters: “They like what I say.

“I’m a very popular guy, as crazy as it might sound. It’s nice to be loved.”

It would seem that Trump may not have loved the speaking spot allegedly offered to him. Newsmax reports that a source close to the convention has told the site that Trump declined an offer to deliver a prime time speech in Tampa. Newsmax reports that the reality T.V. star and businessman had been asked to give a big "surprise" at the convention.

Trump was offered a major speaking role during the convention, but has told the Romney campaign that he relishes the role he plays as an independent voice and believes his support of the Romney campaign could be served in other ways. The Romney camp is said to have already proposed to Trump how they would like him involved at the convention, but the nature of his involvement is being kept secret.

During the GOP primary Trump was scheduled to moderate a Newsmax sponsored debate that drew controversy when several candidates dropped out in objection to the reality star's role in the event. Trump eventually pulled himself out and the event fell apart.