Former President Trump Tuesday claimed a deal has been reached for a Sept. 10 debate with Kamala Harris hosted by ABC News, with microphones to be muted while the other candidates are speaking.
“I have reached an agreement…for a debate with …Kamala Harris,” Trump wrote on his social media site. “The rules will be the same as the last CNN debate.”
Harris’ campaign did not immediately confirm Trump’s claim that a deal has been reached. Neither did ABC.
The Democratic nominee had wanted microphones to be live at all times, and taunted Trump that he would be unable to control himself if he were not on mute.
Trump himself said on Monday that he would “probably” want the microphones kept on at all times, contradicting his campaign stance.
It was not clear what if any concessions Trump may have made in the talks to finalize the debate terms.
He said the other rules include that the candidates will stand throughout the debate and will not be permitted to bring notes. There will be no live audience.
Trump, who pushed a failed proposal for a debate on Fox News, says he also wants a second debate with Harris. Her campaign says it’s open to another debate in October and would negotiate terms if the Sept. 10 clash goes off as scheduled.
Harris’ campaign has been taunting Trump with claims that he is scared to debate her, even though he has proposed up to three debates.
Trump clashed with President Biden in a June debate on CNN that led to Biden’s decision to drop out of the race and hand the baton over to Harris.
Harris is spending a significant amount of time preparing for the debate, including mock debate sessions held at her alma mater, Howard University.
Trump is sticking to his usual strategy of avoiding formal prep, suggesting that he is not worried about having to speak extemporaneously about any issues that come up.
