During the Texas Tribune Festival over the weekend, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sparked controversy by suggesting that former President Donald Trump might avoid the upcoming presidential debate out of fear.
This has led to a strong rebuttal from the Trump campaign, which accused Pelosi of spreading misinformation.
In a discussion with journalist Kara Swisher, Pelosi shared her thoughts on the upcoming ABC News Presidential Debate in Philadelphia, where Trump is expected to debate Kamala Harris.
When asked what advice Pelosi would offer Trump, she responded skeptically about his participation: “You think he’s gonna show up?” This remark elicited laughter and applause from the audience.
Swisher probed further, asking if Pelosi knew something that the public did not. Pelosi’s reply was cutting: “I know cowardice when I see it.”
JUST IN: Nancy Pelosi is casting doubt that Trump will show up for the debate.
"Do you know something I don't know?"
"I know cowardice when I see it."
Pelosi is a communist lunatic. Let's stop acting like she's got all of her marbles.pic.twitter.com/CZRiVUmF2a
— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) September 9, 2024
The exchange underscored the continuing tensions between the former House Speaker and the former president, who have been at odds in public on numerous occasions.
Swisher also mentioned comments made by former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney, who had previously criticized Trump as a “misogynist pig” at the same event. Pelosi applauded Cheney, remarking, “Isn’t she wonderful?”
During her discussion with Swisher, Pelosi also described herself as “Speaker Emerita,” although she clarified that “Speaker” is still her official title.
The Trump campaign quickly rebuked Pelosi’s suggestions about Trump potentially skipping the debate.
Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, told Fox News Digital, “Nancy Pelosi has no idea what she is talking about and has been proven to be a liar and fraud. If she isn’t busy giving herself fake titles to make herself feel better, she’s peddling fake news because it’s the only thing she’s ever done.”
This latest quarrel adds to the longstanding animosity between Pelosi and Trump. Their tumultuous relationship became widely known in 2020 when Pelosi ripped up Trump’s State of the Union address immediately after his speech, garnering significant media attention and public commentary.
As the debate approaches, attention is focused on Trump and Harris, leaving many to speculate if Pelosi’s provocative remarks hint at an unorthodox approach by Trump in the upcoming electoral events.
The debate holds immense importance for both candidates as they aim to sway voters before the November election.
The exchange between Pelosi and the Trump campaign highlights the deeply divided nature of current American politics, where even the anticipation of a presidential debate becomes a battleground for accusations and insinuations from both sides.
