Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, posted on Truth Social on Friday that he is ready to debate President Joe Biden "ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, ANYPLACE."
Earlier on Friday, Biden told radio host Howard Stern that he is "happy" to debate Trump as the candidates enter the final six months of the 2024 presidential elections.
"Somewhere. I don't know when, but I am happy to debate him," Biden said in the one-on-one interview with Stern.
In response, Trump posted, "Crooked Joe Biden just announced that he's willing to debate! Everyone knows he doesn't really mean it, but in case he does, I say ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, ANYPLACE, an old expression used by Fighters."
Earlier this month, Trump's top two campaign advisers sent a letter to an independent commission that normally sanctions such events, calling for an accelerated debates timetable, holding more than the usual three and starting them earlier in the campaign cycle, Reuters reported.
"I suggest Monday Evening, Tuesday Evening, or Wednesday Evening at my Rally in Michigan, a State that he is in the process of destroying with his E.V. Mandate. In the alternative, he's in New York City today, although probably doesn't know it, and so am I, stuck in the one of the many Court cases that he instigated as ELECTION INTERFERENCE AGAINST A POLITICAL OPPONENT – A CONTINUING WITCH HUNT!"
The first debate is scheduled for Sept. 16, followed by one on Oct. 1 and the final debate on Oct. 9. The debates are to be held at Texas State University in San Marcos, Virginia State University in Petersburg, and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
"It's the only way he thinks he can win," Trump's post continued. "In fact, let's do the Debate at the Courthouse tonight – on National Television, I'll wait around!"
Upon leaving the courthouse Friday, Trump said he'd "been waiting at the courthouse" and Biden "did not show up."
Chris LaCivita, co-campaign manager for Trump, also responded to Biden's comment to Stern, posting on X, "Ok let's set it up."
"Biden's handlers must be furious," said Jake Schneider of the Republican National Committee. "His staffers have gone to great lengths in recent months to dodge the debate question — likely due to Biden's clear cognitive decline and inability to form coherent sentences."
Trump, who didn't debate his rivals in the Republican primary race, said in a video clip posted by RNC Research on X: "I want to debate. I want to debate Biden. I've actually put out a call. And I said for the good of the nation, we should debate — anytime, anyplace."
In the April 3 post, RNC Research asked: "Why won't Biden commit to a debate with President Trump? He knows President Trump would wipe the floor with him."