Biden and Trump to Face Off in Two Debates, But VSU Debate Snubbed

President Biden and former President Donald Trump have agreed to two debates in June and September, but President Biden has refused to participate in a debate originally scheduled at Virginia State University (VSU), the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to host a presidential debate.

President Biden and former President Donald Trump have agreed to two debates in June and September, but the Biden campaign has refused to participate in a debate originally scheduled at Virginia State University (VSU), the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to host a presidential debate.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin called out President Biden for refusing to participate in the debate scheduled by the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) for Oct. 1 at VSU.

"The Biden campaign is refusing to participate in a historic general election presidential debate at [VSU], a great university and HBCU," Youngkin wrote on social media. "Joe Biden is turning his back on students, Virginians and the nation because he can’t defend his failing policies. Huge snub to VSU and the citizens of the Commonwealth."

Biden's announcement to take part in the debates came with a letter from his campaign to the CPD, which revealed a few critical limits that Biden's team was placing on any debate between him and Trump.

The restrictions included not having an audience and conducting the debate in a TV studio with just the candidates and the moderator.

Trump told Fox News Digital that he would accept the timeline proposed by Biden, despite the restrictions.

"It is time for a debate to take place — even if it has to be held through the offices of the Commission on Presidential Debates, which are totally controlled by Democrats and who, as people remember, got caught cheating with me with debate sound levels," Trump said.

In November, the CPD set the sites and dates for three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate during the 2024 general election.

The presidential debates were to take place Sept. 16 at Texas State University, Oct. 1 at Virginia State University, and Oct. 9 at the University of Utah.

VSU released a statement expressing disappointment over the news that the presidential debates would not take place at their university.

"Virginia State University is disappointed to hear media reports suggesting that the U.S. Presidential candidates may not participate in the scheduled October 1, 2024, debate at VSU," the statement read. "A presidential debate at VSU is a huge win, not only for our students and campus community but for the greater community in general."

The Biden and Trump campaigns did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

The debate snub has sparked controversy, with many people criticizing Biden for refusing to participate in a debate at VSU.

Some argue that Biden's decision is a sign of disrespect towards HBCUs and the African American community.

Others argue that Biden is simply trying to avoid a debate with Trump, who is likely to be a formidable opponent.

Regardless of the reasons, the debate snub is likely to be a major issue in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.