It is the question that refuses to go away. People are constantly scrolling, checking their feeds, and wondering: will Trump do another debate? Honestly, the answer isn't as simple as a "yes" or "no" anymore. Since he moved back into the Oval Office as the 47th President in early 2025, the whole landscape of political theater has shifted. In the past, debates were the main event. They were the "prizefight" he always talked about. But now? The rules are being rewritten in real-time.
The Post-Inauguration Reality
Look, we’ve entered a weird phase of American politics where the sitting President doesn't necessarily feel the need to stand on a stage with a moderator. Especially one from a network he’s probably threatened to sue or de-license in the last forty-eight hours.
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Remember back in September 2024? Trump famously posted on Truth Social that "THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE" after his matchup with Kamala Harris. He compared the situation to a losing boxer asking for a rematch. Even then, he was signaling a pivot away from the traditional Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) format.
Now that he’s in power, that "aversion" to the old-school setup has basically hardened into policy.
Why the Traditional Debate Might Be Dead
There are a few big reasons why the "will Trump do another debate" question feels like it’s hitting a brick wall lately:
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- He doesn't need the "Airwaves": Trump has been very vocal about the "corrupt" media. He’s explicitly targeted networks like ABC and NBC, even suggesting their licenses should be pulled. If you think a guy is "the enemy of the people," you aren't exactly rushing to let him host your next Q&A session.
- The Rise of the Solo Town Hall: Why share the stage when you can own it? We saw this toward the end of the last cycle. Instead of a standard debate, he’d go on Fox News for a solo town hall with Sean Hannity. It's safer. It's more controlled. It gets the same—if not better—ratings.
- The 2026 Midterm Factor: We are currently staring down the barrel of the 2026 midterms. Usually, this is when the "will he or won't he" talk ramps up again for surrogates or even the President himself to defend his record. But current polling from places like Brookings shows a lot of voters are frustrated with the economy and those signature tariffs. Standing on a stage being fact-checked about inflation isn't exactly a high-priority "win" for the administration right now.
What Most People Get Wrong
People keep waiting for a 2016 or 2020-style "clash of titans." That’s a mistake.
The strategy has changed. Trump's team—led by figures who emphasize "Agenda 47"—is much more focused on direct-to-voter communication. Think rallies. Think "Freedom 250" events. Think long-form podcasts where the host isn't going to cut his mic.
If he does agree to another debate, it’s not going to be on CNN or ABC. It’ll be on his terms. He’s already floated the idea that if he ever debates again, it has to be on a "friendly" network with "fair" moderators. Basically, he wants to pick the ref, the ring, and the judges.
The Greenland and Foreign Policy "Debates"
Interestingly, the word "debate" is being used in a different context lately. There’s a massive international debate—though not a televised one—over the President's recent moves regarding Greenland and his withdrawal from the UN Climate bodies.
Europe is panicking. Denmark is stressed. The "debate" is happening in the halls of NATO and on the pages of The Guardian, where critics are questioning his capacity to lead on the world stage. But a televised, 90-minute domestic debate on these issues? Don't hold your breath.
Is There Any Chance?
Could it happen? Kinda. Maybe.
If the 2026 midterms look like a total washout for the GOP, Trump might feel the need to "shake the Etch A Sketch." He’s a showman. He knows that nothing drives a news cycle like a high-stakes confrontation. If he feels his back is against the wall, he might suddenly pivot and challenge a Democratic leader to a "showdown."
But it won't look like the debates of old.
It would likely be a "Digital First" event. Maybe something hosted on X or Truth Social. Something that bypasses the "Legacy Media" entirely.
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What You Should Actually Watch For
If you’re trying to track whether will Trump do another debate, stop looking at the network schedules. Start looking at his Truth Social posts and his rhetoric about the FCC.
When he starts attacking specific media figures as "failing" or "dishonest" more than usual, he's usually building the case for why he won't participate in their events. Conversely, if he starts talking about "giving the people the truth directly," he might be setting the stage for a self-produced debate-style event.
Actionable Insights for 2026
If you're following the political cycle and want to stay ahead of the "debate" news, here's what you should do:
- Monitor the FCC filings: The administration’s move to bring independent agencies under "Presidential authority" is the real story. If the government gains more control over broadcasters, the leverage for "traditional" debates disappears.
- Watch the "Blue City" conflicts: Trump’s focus on crime and the "Comprehensive Crime Bill" is where he’s looking for his next big win. He’s more likely to "debate" this through executive actions and National Guard deployments than on a stage in Philadelphia.
- Follow the alternative media deals: Keep an eye on the dissolution of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. As NPR and PBS lose funding, the venues that usually host or promote bipartisan debates are vanishing.
- Track the 2026 generic ballot: If Democrats keep their 5-11 point lead among independents and Hispanics, the pressure for Trump to do something dramatic will peak by late summer.
The old days of "three debates and a VP toss-up" are likely over. We’re in the era of the "unprecedented slate of executive orders," and that is where the real arguments are being won and lost.