Former President Donald Trump has announced that no props or lifts will be allowed during his upcoming debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump took to Truth Social to express his stance, calling any use of height-enhancing devices “cheating.” He compared the situation to the 2020 debate with former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, insisting that no artificial aids should be used to alter a candidate’s appearance.
The debate, scheduled for next week and hosted by ABC News, will follow strict guidelines. Candidates will have two minutes to respond to questions, with additional time for rebuttals and follow-ups. Each participant will be allowed two minutes for closing statements. Notably, there will be no live audience, and candidates are prohibited from carrying pre-written notes or props.
This latest demand follows Trump’s previous criticisms regarding height differences in debates. In 2020, he mocked Bloomberg for allegedly using a height-enhancing box during debates, labeling the practice as unfair and a form of cheating.
While it remains unclear whether ABC News will agree to Trump’s conditions, the rules set for the debate aim to ensure a level playing field. Each candidate will be provided with a pen, pad of paper, and a water bottle but will have no additional interactions with their campaign staff during commercial breaks.
