Donald Trump has accepted an invitation from Fox News to debate Kamala Harris on September 4. This decision follows Harris’s public challenge to Trump, in which she expressed her readiness to debate the former president after President Joe Biden’s departure from the race.
Trump made the announcement via his social media platform, Truth Social, confirming that the debate will take place in Pennsylvania, though the exact location is still being determined. He stated, “If for any reason Kamala is unwilling or unable to debate on that date, I have agreed with Fox to do a major Town Hall on the same September 4 evening.”
The debate will be moderated by journalists Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, with the format mirroring Trump’s previous debate with Biden, including a full arena audience. Trump also commented on his ongoing frustration, saying, “I spent hundreds of millions of dollars, time, and effort fighting Joe, and when I won the debate, they threw a new candidate into the ring. Not fair. But it is what it is!”
The debate between Trump and Harris is anticipated to be a pivotal event, particularly given the backdrop of Biden’s withdrawal and his endorsement of Harris. Biden stepped down from the race on July 21, leading to speculation and debate about the Democratic ticket. A day later, former President Barack Obama endorsed Harris, solidifying her position as the Democratic nominee.
Harris has been vocal in her pursuit of the debate, encouraging Trump to reconsider his reluctance. “Because as the saying goes, if you’ve got something to say, say it to my face,” Harris remarked.
Trump initially expressed doubts about debating Harris, citing his lead in the polls and questioning the necessity of another debate. “Right now I say, ‘Why should I do a debate?’ I’m leading in the polls, and everybody knows her, everybody knows me,” he told Fox Business Network.
Harris, now the presumptive Democratic nominee, has acknowledged the efforts of her supporters. “The tireless work of our delegates, our state leaders, and our staff has been pivotal to making this moment possible,” she said. She secured the necessary 2,350 delegate votes during a virtual roll call ahead of the Democratic National Convention, according to DNC chair Jaime Harrison.
