RFK Jr challenges Trump to debate at Libertarian event: ‘On neutral ground

With former President Donald Trump and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaking at the Libertarian National Convention in Washington, D.C., starting May 24, the latter has an idea for their intriguing intersection: a debate.

In an open letter posted on X, Kennedy challenged Trump to a debate at the convention, which he said is “perfect neutral territory” where organizers “are game” for the showdown.

“So let’s meet at the Libertarian convention and show the American public that at least two of the major candidates aren’t afraid to debate each other,” Kennedy said. “I asked the convention organizers and they are game for us to use our time there to bring the American people the debate they deserve!”

The independent candidate egged Trump on further.

“I’m also drawing a lot of voters from your former supporters,” Kennedy boasted, referring to polls indicating that Trump is losing some support to Kennedy. “They are upset that you blew up the deficit, shut down their businesses during Covid, and filled your administration with swamp creatures.”

Kennedy will speak at the Libertarian Convention on May 24, followed by Trump on May 25, so the two candidates will not have a guaranteed meeting. If Trump’s refusal to debate in the Republican primaries is any indication, he is unlikely to debate RFK Jr. Trump’s refusal was due to a belief he had nothing to gain from intraparty attacks on him when he had a large lead in the polls.

A similar scenario could be playing out with Kennedy, as he only polls at a 10% average, per FiveThirtyEight. Kennedy argued that some polls have him above the 15% presidential debate threshold, attempting to justify a debate between the two.

The Washington Examiner reached out to the Trump campaign for comment.

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Trump sought to speak at the Libertarian convention in an attempt to gather voters outside of the Republican debates and likely to cut off Libertarian support for Kennedy.

“Libertarians are some of the most independent and thoughtful thinkers in our Country, and I am honored to join them in Washington, DC, later this month,” Trump said in a previous statement. “We must all work together to help advance freedom and liberty for every American, and a second Trump Administration will achieve that goal.”