WASHINGTON D.C. – Vice President Kamala Harris took a direct jab at former President Donald Trump after he announced his decision to skip the upcoming Republican primary debates. In a statement released earlier today, Harris accused Trump of “running scared” and fearing the scrutiny of a national audience.

“It’s no surprise that Donald Trump is avoiding the debates,” Harris stated. “He knows he can’t handle the heat. He can’t handle the tough questions. He can’t handle being held accountable for his actions. He’s scared of facing the American people.”

Trump’s decision to forgo the debates comes amidst a string of recent legal troubles and declining poll numbers. He has consistently led the Republican field but has been facing increasing scrutiny over his role in the January 6th Capitol riot and his handling of classified documents.

The former president’s campaign has attempted to justify the decision, claiming that Trump is already a “household name” and doesn’t need the exposure of the debates. They have also argued that the debates are “rigged” against him.

However, many political pundits believe that Trump’s decision is a sign of weakness and a fear of being exposed. They argue that the debates would have been a critical opportunity for him to engage with voters and address the growing concerns about his candidacy.

“Trump’s decision to skip the debates is a major blow to his campaign,” said political strategist Sarah Jones. “He’s missing out on a chance to connect with voters and build momentum for his campaign. It’s a sign that he’s not confident in his own message or his ability to handle the scrutiny.”

The Republican National Committee is yet to announce a replacement for Trump in the upcoming debates. With the former president’s absence, the upcoming debates are sure to be a hotbed of political drama as other candidates vie for the opportunity to step into the spotlight.