In a surprising move, Donald Trump has announced he will not participate in a third presidential debate with Kamala Harris, just weeks before the November 5th election. The former president took to his social media platform Truth Social to declare his decision, stating that he has already proven his points in previous debates and doesn’t see the need for another.
“I’ve already debated Kamala Harris and won. Why go through it again? Losers always want a rematch, and that’s what she’s asking for,” Trump said during a rally in Tucson, Arizona.
Trump’s refusal comes as polls indicate a tight race between the two candidates. Harris, speaking at a rally in North Carolina, responded to Trump’s decision by calling for a third debate, emphasizing the importance of engaging with voters.
“We owe it to the American people to have another debate. They deserve to hear more from us, to make an informed choice,” Harris said.
Post-debate polls from their first showdown show conflicting results. While Trump claims victory, several surveys suggest that Harris performed better. A Fusion Reports poll of likely voters shows Trump narrowly leading with 49%, while Harris has 47%. In the battleground state of Michigan, Trump holds a slim one-point lead, according to an Insider Advantage survey, although Harris was previously ahead by two points.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted after their first debate gives Harris a 47% to 42% advantage over Trump. Additionally, 53% of respondents said Harris won the debate, while 24% favored Trump, with the rest undecided or offering no opinion.
Despite Trump’s confidence, the race remains close, and both campaigns are ramping up efforts in key swing states. As tensions rise, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has addressed accusations of partisanship within the Justice Department, dismissing claims that it has been weaponized and condemning threats against its employees.
With just weeks left until election day, the question remains: will Trump’s refusal to debate again impact his standing, or will his strategy prove successful?
