Donald Trump indicates he is 'likely' to debate Kamala Harris, but also sees a case for skipping it.

Donald Trump has softened his earlier commitment to debating Vice President Kamala Harris. He’s now questioning the value of such a debate and suggests that while he “probably” will participate, he also believes he could make a case for not doing it.

NEW YORK — On Monday, Donald Trump appeared to retreat from his earlier commitment to debate Vice President Kamala Harris. He questioned the value of the debate, stating he “probably” will participate but also sees a case for opting out.

In an interview with Fox News Channel that aired Monday night, Trump gave a less definitive answer than in recent days when pressed about the debate. Previously, Trump had been eager to debate President Joe Biden, who he had suggested was unfit for the presidency. However, with Biden out of the race and Harris emerging as the Democratic frontrunner, Trump has been re-evaluating the debate terms. He has even proposed moving the scheduled Sept. 10 debate from ABC News, criticizing the network as “fake news.”

Last week, during a phone call with reporters, Trump was asked if he would commit to debating Harris at least once. He replied, “Oh yes, absolutely. I'd want to,” and indicated that there was an obligation to participate in a debate.

However, in an interview on Monday, host Laura Ingraham pressed Trump repeatedly about his commitment to debating. Trump responded, “I want to do a debate. But I also can say this: Everybody knows who I am, and now people know who she is.”

He eventually stated, “The answer is yes, I'll probably end up debating.” Trump elaborated that any debates should be held before early voting begins in states, but he also noted, “The answer is yes, but I can also make a case for not doing it.”

Trump has previously skipped debates, including all of the 2024 Republican presidential primary debates. He initially opted out, citing concerns about the timing and venue, and eventually made it clear he would not participate in any of those debates.

During an interview on Monday, Trump also sought to clarify controversial remarks he made last week at a conservative event. Addressing a Christian audience, he suggested they “won’t have to vote anymore” once he is elected.

He urged Christians, who he claims vote in low numbers, to cast their ballots “just this time,” promising that “you won’t have to do it anymore.” He added, “In four years, it’ll be fixed, it’ll be fine. You won’t have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians,” and reiterated, “In four years, you don’t have to vote again. We’ll have it fixed so well, you’re not gonna have to vote.”

Trump's comments raised concerns among Democrats and others, who pointed to his history of authoritarian rhetoric, his earlier statement about becoming a dictator on “day one,” and his refusal to accept the 2020 election results or to concede defeat.

Trump’s campaign and supporters offered various justifications for his remarks, and Ingraham pressed him for clarification. 

Trump responded, “They don’t vote, and I’m explaining that to them. ‘You never vote.’ This time, vote. I’ll straighten out the country. You won’t have to vote anymore. I won't need your vote.”

Ingraham then asked if Trump was implying that Christians wouldn’t need to vote for him because he would only serve one term.

Trump began his response by discussing the voting rates of Christians and gun owners, but Laura Ingraham interrupted to ask for clarification. 

"Don't worry about the future. Vote on November 5th, and after that, you won’t have to worry about voting anymore. We’re going to fix the country so thoroughly that your vote won’t be needed. Frankly, we'll have so much love and improvement that if you don’t want to vote anymore, that's fine," Trump said.

He had made similar comments last month at another Christian-focused event, where he expressed concern over Christian voter turnout and urged them to vote. 

"In four years, you don’t have to vote, OK? In four years, don’t vote. I don’t care," he stated.