"DeSantis Challenges Trump Amid Iowa Town Halls and Voter Scrutiny"

At CNN town halls, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized former President Trump's pro-life stance and avoided direct confrontation with fellow Republican and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who also refrained from discussing DeSantis while criticizing Trump's stance on Ukraine funding. Both candidates are trailing Trump significantly in Iowa polls and are preparing for a direct debate next week. The town halls covered various topics, including the recent Iowa mass shooting, with both candidates emphasizing school safety and mental health over gun control. Haley praised Texas Governor Abbott's immigration actions but sidestepped acknowledging DeSantis' similar efforts. Haley continued to address her previous Civil War slavery remarks and her New Hampshire campaign comments, while DeSantis subtly mocked Haley's recent gaffe involving a journalist's name.