Donald Trump has ruled out participating in a second presidential debate with Democratic rival Kamala Harris, despite Fox News offering to host a debate later in October. The former president announced his decision on Wednesday, citing the proximity to election day on November 5 and the fact that early voting had already begun.
Trump and Harris had previously faced off in one debate in September, but Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that there would be no rematch. He added that Harris had indicated she would not change her stance from President Joe Biden’s policies, leaving nothing to debate.
Harris had earlier challenged Trump to a debate on CNN, scheduled for October 23, which he declined. Trump also claimed that Harris had backed out of a previously proposed debate on Fox News, although her campaign never publicly accepted the offer.
The two campaigns did agree on a debate held by ABC News on September 10, and their vice-presidential running mates, J.D. Vance for the Republicans and Tim Walz for the Democrats, participated in a debate on October 1.
Fox News made a final offer to both candidates for a debate on either October 24 or 27, but it appears that no further debates will take place before election day.
News Editor