Trump Rejects Second Presidential Debate with Kamala Harris, Calls First One a Victory

Former President Donald Trump has made it clear he’s not interested in a second presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of their bid for the White House.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Thursday (Sept. 12), Trump wrote, “When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are ‘I want a rematch.’ Polls clearly show that I won the debate against comrade Kamala Harris, the Democrats’ radical left candidate… and she immediately called for a second debate.”

While Trump claimed victory, several instant polls conducted after Tuesday night’s debate showed that voters felt Harris performed better. Harris quickly responded during a rally in North Carolina, saying she was ready for another debate. “Vice-President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?” her campaign asked, eager for a rematch after their heated exchange.

The debate stirred controversy, especially over Trump’s comments about “Haitian migrants eating pets” and his statement that abortions can happen after a baby is born. The former president appeared on Fox News the next morning, calling the debate “rigged” and stating he had no desire for another round after what he described as a “great night.”

Though there have been talks about a possible second debate on NBC News on Sept. 25, neither the network nor Trump’s team has confirmed his participation following his recent rejection. Harris’ campaign, however, seems prepared for another matchup, leaving the next step in Trump’s hands.