University of Utah unlikely to host 2024 presidential debate

• Biden and former President Trump instead agreed to spar at two independent debates hosted by CNN and ABC News on June 27 and Sept. 10, respectively.

What they're saying: The university was not informed of the candidates' plans beforehand, Jason Perry, the university's vice president for government relations, told Axios.

• "We're disappointed that that is the strategy for now but these debates are just so critically important so we continue to work with the Commission on Presidential Debates," he said. "They're continuing to work with the campaigns and the candidates to see what other opportunities might still exist."

What's next: The university will not cancel the debate and move forward with planning unless it hears from the commission that the event will not move forward, Perry noted.

• "We want students throughout the state to be committed to civic engagement and there is no greater seat to have then right there in that auditorium watching candidates for president of the U.S," he said.

Flashback: University of Utah president Taylor Randall had called the opportunity to host the 2024 debate "a privilege."

• Last year, the school asked the Utah Legislature for $6.5 million to enhance security and infrastructure for the publicized event. The funding request was not granted.
• The university hosted the 2020 vice presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include comments from Jason Perry.