Trump Declines ABC-hosted Debate with Kamala Harris, Proposes Fox News Instead
In a dramatic turn of events, Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for presidency, has declared that he will not be participating in the scheduled debate in September with Vice President Kamala Harris on ABC. Instead, Trump has proposed that they face off on Fox News. This unexpected move has cast significant uncertainty on the prospects of the candidates confronting each other on stage before the fast-approaching November election.
Trump’s Stance
Trump recently posted on Truth Social, announcing his withdrawal from the September 10 event and expressing his preference for a debate structured across similar lines to his earlier confrontation with President Joe Biden on Fox News. Trump added that if Harris, who is the expected Democratic nominee, does not comply with the proposed network switch and date change, he intends to host a major Town Hall with Fox News.
Reactions
Critics argue that this sudden shift in plans suggests a lack of commitment on Trump’s part. Michael Tyler, a spokesperson for Harris, accuses Trump of “running scared” and trying to evade the debate which he had earlier agreed to. He further noted that Trump was leaning on Fox News for support in this endeavor. It remains unclear whether ABC will modify their September 10 event into a Harris town hall in the absence of Trump.
Harris’s Response
Harris has remained determined to keep her time slot, regardless of Trump’s participation. Tyler stated that Harris would use this prime time slot to speak to a national audience, “one way or the other”. He further indicated that Harris was stepping up to the challenge laid down by Trump, expressing her readiness to face him in person.
Trump’s Previous Experiences
Trump seems to be using his rich history of legal disputes with ABC News to justify his reluctance to participate in the network’s debate. He had earlier sued the network for an assertion by George Stephanopoulos, one of the ABC News anchors, claiming that Trump had been held “liable for rape”. After filing the lawsuit, however, Trump agreed to the September 10 debate on ABC.
Moving Forward
Trump has a significant history of skipping presidential primary debates, having dropped out of all the debates during the 2024 Republican presidential primary. It remains to be seen if Harris will accept Trump’s offer to debate on Fox News, or proceed with the scheduled ABC event without him. The American public awaits further developments as the drama continues to unfold.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.