Nikki Haley agrees to CNN Iowa debate amid pressure from DeSantis campaign

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley agreed to participate in CNN’s debate in Iowa next month.

The move comes after Haley’s campaign did not previously commit to that specific debate. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign has been attacking Haley over whether she’d debate in January.

“The first four debates have been great for our campaign and for voters, and we look forward to the fifth in Iowa,” Haley said in a press release from her campaign. “As the debate stage continues to shrink, it’s getting harder for Donald Trump to hide.”

DeSantis’ campaign responded, saying she “cave[d].”

“If Donald Trump and Nikki Haley are going to continue to spend millions against me on television with false attacks, they should at least have the courage to meet on the debate stage,” DeSantis said Friday. “Now that Nikki Haley has been shamed into coming to the CNN debate, it’s time for Donald Trump to follow suit and join us.” 

The Iowa caucus will take place Jan. 15, 2024.

CNN announced the debate earlier this month. It’s slated to occur on Jan. 10.

Florida’s Voice asked the Haley campaign if she will also commit to the same CNN debate in Iowa earlier this week.

“Since the RNC pulled out of the debates, many new offers have come in,” a spokesperson for the campaign said. “We look forward to debating in Iowa and continuing to show voters why Nikki is the best candidate to retire Joe Biden and save our country. That debate should include Donald Trump.”

DeSantis’ campaign told Florida’s Voice that DeSantis defeated Haley in the last primary debate.

“After that loss, it is no wonder why Haley has failed to confirm she will join Ron DeSantis on the debate stage in Iowa and New Hampshire next month,” said Bryan Griffin, press secretary for the DeSantis campaign.

“Ron DeSantis has accepted every major debate and won each of them,” he said.