CNN debunks social media rumors about presidential debate delay

CNN has shut down a claim circulating on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that the debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will be aired with a one to two-minute delay.

Several pro-Trump accounts have promoted this claim, which deviates from the standard seven-second delay used in television broadcasts.

The speculation began gaining traction on Thursday, with Leading Report’s Patrick Webb among those suggesting the extended delay. Webb wrote, “BREAKING: CNN will implement a 1-2 minute delay for tonight’s presidential debate instead of the standard 7-second delay, potentially allowing time to edit parts of the broadcast.”

In response, CNN’s communications department firmly denied the claim, stating, “This is false. The debate will begin live at 9 pm ET.”

Several journalists and X users quickly jumped to the network’s defense. “It’s common with any live event now, but the flood of misinformation circulating about this debate is particularly unsettling. Godspeed to all fact checkers today,” said New York Times reporter Katie Rogers.

The debate will be moderated by CNN’s Dana Bash and Jake Tapper and will last approximately 90 minutes. Both candidates agreed to specific rules for the event, including the absence of a studio audience and the implementation of microphone cuts when one candidate speaks over another.

CNN’s confirmation that the debate will be broadcast live aims to dispel the misinformation and assure viewers of the network’s commitment to real-time coverage.

Tune into the ‘CNN Presidential Debate’ on Thursday, June 27, at 9 pm ET on CNN or simulcast on USA TODAY on YouTube.com.

Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporting fellow based in Hawaii for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach him at JYurow@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: CNN refutes claims of extended delay for Biden-Trump debate