In a strategic media move, former President Donald Trump chose to bypass the Republican debate this Wednesday, opting instead for an extensive one-on-one with Tucker Carlson.

The decision paid off in terms of viewership. The interview was released on X just moments before the debate’s commencement and quickly surpassed 100 million views, as reported by Newsweek. By the following morning, this figure had surged to nearly 185 million.

While X’s unique view counting method makes it challenging to gauge the exact number of viewers, the astonishing numbers dwarf Carlson’s previous interview with GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, which garnered 44 million views in the week since its release.

Throughout the conversation, Trump touched on various topics, from the reason behind his debate absence to the current state of the nation’s divide.

Trump highlighted his substantial lead in the polls as the primary reason for his absence, mentioning a 40-point lead. “I love answering questions, but it doesn’t make sense to do ’em. So, I’ve taken a pass,” he commented.

The discussion took a somber turn when Carlson broached the topic of the nation’s potential drift towards civil unrest or even a civil war.

Trump responded by highlighting the unprecedented passion and hatred he perceives in the current political climate, terming it a “bad combination.”

RELATED: Watch: Tucker Asks Trump If He Fears ‘They’ Will Try to Kill Him

The conversation wasn’t without its contentious moments.

Trump dismissed his ongoing legal troubles, drawing comparisons with Hillary Clinton and Stacey Abrams, both of whom he alleges also questioned their respective election outcomes.

Trump’s bold comments did not stop there. When quizzed about the potential threat of assassination due to his political positioning, Trump did not mince words, labeling his detractors as “savage animals.”

The former president also offered a critique of the Biden administration, voicing skepticism over Biden’s re-election bid and even questioning the extent of Biden’s actual influence over the country.

Additionally, Trump reiterated his consistent concerns over immigration and border control, which he characterized as paramount issues.

This interview showcases Trump’s continued knack for captivating audiences and his unique ability to steer media conversations in his direction.

RELATED: Fox News Responds to Trump’s Debate No-Show by Cracking Down on His Team