Ben Carson, Donald Trump Sign Letter Refusing to Participate in CNBC Debate with Current Format

2016 presidential hopefuls Ben Carson and Donald Trump have reportedly signed a letter refusing to participate in the next GOP debate hosted by CNBC if the network refuses to change its current debate format.

The letter, sent to the network and reportedly signed by both Trump and Carson, argues that neither presidential candidate will participate in CNBC's upcoming debate if it does not include opening and closing statements and if it exceeds 120 minutes, including commercials.

The current CNBC debate format does not include opening and closing statements and runs a total of two hours with an additional 16 minutes for commercial breaks.

"Neither Mr. Trump or Dr. Carson will participate in your debate if it is longer than 120 minutes including commercials and does not include opening and closing statements," the letter reads, as reported by NBC.

The debate hosted by CNBC is set to take place on October 28.

Trump also took to Twitter to argue against the requirements of the upcoming debate, saying they are not benefcial to the republican party.

"The @GOP should not agree to the ridiculous debate terms that @CNBC is asking unless there is a major benefit to the party," Trump wrote on social media, adding "[CNBC] is pushing the [GOP] around by asking for extra time (and no criteria) in order to sell more commercials."

"Why is the [GOP] being asked to do a debate that is so much longer than the just-aired and very boring #DemDebate?" Trump added.