KAMALA Harris confronted Donald Trump in a heated televised debate on Tuesday, engaging in sharp exchanges as they competed for a breakthrough in a closely contested election.
Harris challenged the former president on key issues such as abortion and democracy, accusing him of being an ally to dictators. Trump responded by raising his voice, labelling Harris a "Marxist" and blaming her for the perceived shortcomings of President Joe Biden's administration.
Trump called the debate, hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia, his "best debate," while Harris's campaign also claimed victory and proposed a second debate in October. With the election approaching in less than two months, Harris, 59, had replaced Biden as the Democratic candidate and was under pressure to deliver in front of millions of viewers.
The debate opened with Harris surprising Trump by shaking his hand before they took their positions at the lecterns. However, the pleasantries quickly ended as the candidates clashed on several fronts. Trump, who had earlier been confident about his chances, reacted with finger-pointing and insults, similar to his rally style. Harris dismissed his comments, at one point exclaiming "c'mon," and argued that she represented a fresh start after the "mess" of the Trump presidency, stating, "We're not going back."
One of their sharpest exchanges was on abortion. Trump reiterated his stance that individual states should set abortion policy, having previously pushed for ending federal protections. Harris called his policies "insulting to the women of America" and accused him of spreading lies.
On immigration, Trump falsely claimed Harris and Biden had allowed "millions of people" from prisons and asylums into the U.S. Harris countered by pointing out Trump's criminal record and calling him "extreme." She also criticised Trump for using race to divide the country.
Foreign policy was another point of contention, with Harris accusing Trump of being weak on Russia, saying that Vladimir Putin would "eat you for lunch" in Ukraine, and that foreign dictators were mocking him. Trump accused Harris of being weak on the Gaza conflict, saying she "hated Israel" and predicting Israel would be "gone" within two weeks under her leadership.
The debate also revisited Trump's refusal to accept the 2020 election results. Harris mocked Trump's reality TV catchphrase, saying he had been "fired by 81 million people."
Taylor Swift voiced her support for Harris shortly after the debate, calling her a "steady-handed, gifted leader" on Instagram, a post that quickly gained millions of likes. Swift's message was seen as a jab at Trump's running mate J.D. Vance, who had previously insulted women supporting Harris.
Despite Trump’s legal troubles, including convictions for falsifying business records and a trial for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, he remains in a close race with Harris. Harris took aim at one of Trump's less serious claims, that large crowds at his rallies were leaving early out of "exhaustion and boredom."
At another moment, Trump discussed a debunked conspiracy theory about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Ohio, which was corrected by the debate moderator.
(With inputs from agencies)
Emma Raducanu during a practice session REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
Festival goers at Glastonbury festival 2025Getty Images 
Pyramid Stage crowd swells ahead of the mystery Patchwork act rumoured to be Pulp Instagram/
Kneecap welcome as political tension surrounds their setGetty Images
Crowds of festival-goers fill the pathways during day three of Glastonbury festival 2025Getty Images
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)