Next Republican debate will only feature Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis

The final Republican debate before the Iowa caucuses will only feature two candidates — former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis  — said CNN, the host of the Jan. 10 debate. 

CNN announced Tuesday that only Haley, DeSantis and former President Donald Trump have qualified. But Trump, who has skipped the earlier four debates, is opting instead for a FOX News town hall in Iowa at the same time that night, FOX announced Tuesday. 

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who both participated in the last debate in December, did not meet CNN's qualification thresholds. Neither did former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson.