#FAIL – Fox News and rival GOP candidates unsuccessful in persuading Trump to join debate

DES MOINES, IOWA -- Donald Trump is standing firm on his plans to boycott Thursday’s Fox News debate.

The Republican front-runner announcing plans to host a veterans benefit in Iowa at the exact time his rivals will be debating.

Ted Cruz and Carly Fiorina are still trying to talk Trump into it in the hours leading up to show time.

Bill O'Reilly tried when trump appeared on his show and things got heated.

"Just want you to consider it. You owe me milkshakes, I'll take them off the ledger if you consider it,” O'Reilly pleaded.

Trump responded: "I told you upfront don't ask me that question because it's an embarrassing question.”

O’Reilly fired back: "But I'm not going to listen to any political person telling me don't ask me anything."

Trump is refusing to face moderator Megyn Kelly again after she asked him about derogatory comments he made about women in a past debate.

The front-runner will host an event to raise money for veterans at Drake University in Des Moines.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz -- running number two in the polls -- is likely to be pushed center stage. Cruz is offering 1.5 million dollars to vets groups if trump agrees to face off with him one-on-one.

"I'm going to propose a venue, Western Iowa Tech Saturday night Sioux City. We already have it reserved,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R) said.

Carly Fiorina "upping the ante" by offering 2 million dollars to debate trump at Drake.

The founder of one prominent veterans group is refusing to accept Trump's money. The group 'Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America' says they will decline any donations from the event. Adding quote -- "We need strong policies from candidates, not to be used for political stunts."

The GOP debate is on Fox News at 6:00pm (PT).