ABC News has announced that it will host the first debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris on September 10.
The network confirmed the event in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, following Trump’s statement on Thursday expressing his willingness to debate his Democratic opponent multiple times before the November election.
“We think we should do three debates,” Trump said, proposing two additional debates to be hosted by Fox News and NBC.
Ms. Harris, speaking at an event in Michigan on Thursday, confirmed her participation in the ABC debate and expressed openness to additional debates.
The network stated that the debate will be moderated by World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir, along with ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis.
“I am looking forward to debating Donald Trump and we have a date of September 10. I hear he’s finally committed to it and I’m looking forward to it,” Ms Harris said at the event in Detroit.
Trump, the Republican candidate, debated President Joe Biden once in June.
The two were scheduled to debate again on September 10, but Biden withdrew from the presidential race after a poor performance against Trump in their first televised debate.
This paved the way for Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee.
The confirmation of the debate on ABC ends the back-and-forth between the Trump and Harris campaigns that followed Biden’s decision to leave the race.
Trump had previously expressed his preference for a debate hosted by Fox News in Pennsylvania, “at a site to be determined.”
The Harris campaign maintained their desire to debate Trump on September 10. During a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Thursday, Trump proposed two additional debates with Harris—on September 4 on Fox News and on September 25 on NBC.
Trump also announced that CBS would host a debate between the vice-presidential nominees, Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz.
NBC News is reportedly in discussions with both campaigns about a potential debate this autumn, according to the New York Times.
Fox News stated that it sent formal letters to both campaigns last month, proposing a September debate in Pennsylvania. However, the Harris campaign emphasized on Thursday that “Trump has to show up” to the ABC debate before they confirm any further debates.
Trump criticized Harris for not taking reporter questions or doing an interview since becoming the likely Democratic nominee just over two weeks ago, calling her “barely competent” and questioning her intelligence.
In response, Harris told reporters later on Thursday that she has instructed her team to “get an interview scheduled” before the end of the month.
Trump’s hour-long event was held amid reports that his campaign is feeling pressure from Democrats, who have gained new enthusiasm under Harris and have been dominating headlines.
National and battleground state polls indicate that Harris’s campaign has gained ground in recent days, though the race for the White House remains close.
The former president denied that he had “recalibrated” his campaign to challenge Harris instead of Biden, and appeared irritated when asked about the audiences Harris draws at rallies.
“Oh, give me a break,” he said, arguing that crowds at his rallies were larger than at hers.
His Thursday news conference is the first he has held in several months, as his campaign has previously focused on holding rallies across the country.
Trump also praised his running mate Mr Vance, who was recently under fire for comments he made in 2021 when he said those without children shouldn’t be leading the country and that women who don’t have children are “miserable” and “childless cat ladies”.
“I have to tell you, JD Vance has really stepped up,” Trump said. “He’s doing a fantastic job.”
He criticized Ms. Harris’ track record on immigration and the economy.
Trump reiterated his belief that U.S. presidents should have a say over interest rates and monetary policy, deviating from the longstanding practice of allowing the U.S. Federal Reserve, an independent body, to oversee these matters.
He emphasized his priorities of lowering inflation, reducing crime rates, and strengthening the military.
On Thursday, Ms. Harris addressed the United Auto Workers in Detroit, thanking the union for endorsing her.
She said there are “89 days to get this done” ahead of the election.