Trump Expresses Interest in Harris Debate Despite ABC Lawsuit

Former President Donald Trump has indicated that he may still participate in a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on ABC News, despite his ongoing legal battle with the network's anchor, George Stephanopoulos.

Former President Donald Trump has expressed a willingness to debate Vice President Kamala Harris, regardless of his ongoing legal battle with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos.

During an appearance on "FOX & Friends," Trump stated that debates are crucial and that he is prepared to engage in a discussion with Harris. He suggested that the debate could take place on Fox News, his preferred platform.

Trump Expresses Interest in Harris Debate Despite ABC Lawsuit

Trump's comments raised questions regarding a previously scheduled ABC News debate, which was initially arranged with Biden as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Trump has raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest due to his lawsuit against Stephanopoulos.

Despite the lawsuit, Trump indicated that he may not use it as an excuse to avoid the debate. He emphasized that he is committed to debating Harris and that he believes it is essential for the public to witness the exchange.

Trump Expresses Interest in Harris Debate Despite ABC Lawsuit

"The most important thing is we get to debate, I think debates are very important," Trump asserted.

Trump's legal battle with ABC News stems from comments made by Stephanopoulos in March, where he wrongly asserted that Trump had been "liable for rape" in a civil case. Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit, which ABC News has attempted to dismiss unsuccessfully.

Trump Expresses Interest in Harris Debate Despite ABC Lawsuit

Trump's comments on "FOX & Friends" suggest a potential shift in his stance on the ABC News debate. He previously stated that he would prefer to debate Harris on Fox News due to his litigation against Stephanopoulos.

However, Trump's latest remarks indicate a willingness to consider the ABC News platform despite the conflict of interest. He acknowledged that ABC's David Muir would likely moderate the debate in Stephanopoulos's absence.

Trump Expresses Interest in Harris Debate Despite ABC Lawsuit

Harris's spokesman, Michael Tyler, has accused Trump of "running scared" and attempting to back out of the debate he previously agreed to on September 10.

Trump has also agreed to debate Harris on September 4 in Pennsylvania, with Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum as moderators. Harris has yet to confirm her participation in that debate.

The lawsuit against ABC News and Stephanopoulos alleges that Stephanopoulos made false and defamatory statements during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C. Stephanopoulos asserted that Trump had been found "liable for rape," despite the fact that the jury in the civil case determined Trump liable for "sexual abuse."

Stephanopoulos has defended his comments, and ABC News has expressed its support for him.

Fox News Digital's Joseph A. Wulfsohn contributed to this report.