ABC News announced that it will host the first debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on September 10. The network confirmed the event on X (formerly Twitter) following Trump’s statement on Thursday that he would be open to multiple debates with his Democratic rival before the November election.
“We think we should do three debates,” Trump suggested, proposing additional debates to be hosted by Fox News and NBC. Kamala Harris confirmed her participation in the ABC debate at an event in Michigan and expressed openness to further debates.
The debate will be moderated by David Muir, anchor and managing editor of World News Tonight, and Linsey Davis, anchor of ABC News Live Prime. Harris, who replaced Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee after his withdrawal from the race, expressed eagerness to face Trump, stating, “I am looking forward to debating Donald Trump.”
Trump, who debated Biden once in June, had initially sought a Fox News-hosted debate in Pennsylvania, but his campaign later focused on securing additional debates with Harris, including proposed dates on September 4 and September 25.
In a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump also announced that CBS would host a debate between the vice-presidential nominees, JD Vance for the Republicans and Tim Walz for the Democrats. Discussions are reportedly ongoing between NBC News and both campaigns for another potential debate this autumn.
Trump has criticized Harris for her lack of media engagement since becoming the Democratic nominee, while Harris indicated plans to schedule an interview before the end of the month. The former president also addressed concerns within his campaign, amid reports of increased Democratic enthusiasm under Harris, while reiterating his focus on lowering inflation, reducing crime rates, and strengthening the military.
Harris, speaking to the United Auto Workers in Detroit, emphasized the urgency of the upcoming election, noting, “There are 89 days to get this done.”
