Former President Donald Trump’s advisers may have publicly insisted he doesn’t need any debate prep, but the former president is preparing more than he’s letting on, sources tell ABC News.
Trump is holding informal policy sessions with a small team of advisers, including GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz and former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who once challenged Vice President Kamala Harris on the debate stage in 2019, the sources said.
Gaetz has been firing questions at Trump around some of the more challenging issues, such as his legal troubles, including his federal indictments on election interference and retaining classified documents, criminal conviction in the New York hush-money case and stance on abortion, according to the sources.
Two people familiar with Trump’s preparation also told ABC News that Trump has been briefed on Harris’ past debates, including the headline-making moment when she hit back at former Vice President Mike Pence with the words, “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking.” That exchange went viral then, and Trump has privately told his allies he won’t let that happen to him.
Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump, participates in a Fox News Town Hall with Sean Hannity at the New Holland Arena on September 4, 2024, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Sources told ABC News that Trump’s recent press address on Friday has left some on the GOP side with pre-debate concerns.
While Trump has continued with his campaign schedule, his movements on Friday puzzled some Republicans. Trump, following his appeal of the $5 million a federal jury awarded writer E. Jean Carroll after finding him liable for sexually assaulting and defaming her, came before the cameras rattling off — in often vivid detail — the accusations of sexual misconduct from multiple women over the years. All of which he has denied.
Meanwhile, as ABC News previously reported, Harris has been engaged in traditional debate prep in Pittsburgh.
The cameras caught her in the city on Sunday on a walk with second gentleman, Doug Emhoff. But, she ignored two shouted questions on Trump’s claims that he’ll jail his political opponents and how she plans to respond to personal attacks from Trump on the debate stage.
On Saturday, Trump posted on TruthSocial, writing, “… the 2024 Election, where Votes have just started being cast, will be under the closest professional scrutiny and, WHEN I WIN, those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law, which will include long term prison sentences so that this Depravity of Justice does not happen again.”
Trump’s false claims of election fraud in the 2020 election have continually been disproven.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., is seen outside the U.S. Capitol after the last votes before the August recess on Thursday, July 25, 2024. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag
Harris, on Sunday, did respond to a third question shouted at her by the media about whether she was ready by echoing, “ready,” and giving a thumbs up before disappearing around the side of a building.
In related news, Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance, will appear in the spin room following the debate, ABC News has confirmed.
The ABC News presidential debate will take place on Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. ET and air on ABC and stream on ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu.
As the 2020 presidential election draws near, sources close to the Trump campaign have revealed that President Donald Trump is receiving assistance from two unlikely allies in preparation for the upcoming debates. According to reports, Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz and former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard have been working behind the scenes to help Trump hone his debate skills and strategies.
Matt Gaetz, a staunch supporter of the President, has been known for his fiery rhetoric and aggressive debating style. He has reportedly been coaching Trump on how to effectively counter attacks from his opponent and deliver strong, concise arguments on key issues. Gaetz’s experience as a skilled debater and his close relationship with Trump have made him a valuable asset in helping the President prepare for the high-stakes debates.
On the other hand, Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic presidential candidate known for her independent and unconventional views, has been providing Trump with a different perspective on key policy issues. Gabbard, who has been critical of both parties and has advocated for a more non-interventionist foreign policy, has reportedly been helping Trump craft his messaging on issues such as foreign relations and military intervention.
The collaboration between Gaetz, Gabbard, and Trump may come as a surprise to many, given their differing political ideologies and backgrounds. However, it underscores the importance of seeking diverse perspectives and expertise in preparing for debates and engaging with voters. By tapping into the insights and skills of individuals from across the political spectrum, Trump is aiming to strengthen his debate performance and appeal to a broader range of voters.
As the first debate approaches, all eyes will be on how Trump performs on the national stage. With the help of Gaetz and Gabbard, he is hoping to deliver a strong and compelling performance that will resonate with voters and solidify his standing in the race. Only time will tell if their assistance will pay off, but one thing is certain – Trump is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for reelection.
