In a remarkable display of viewership preference, former President Donald Trump's town hall on Fox News significantly outperformed the CNN debate between GOP presidential candidates Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley. Early figures released by Nielsen suggest that Trump's event attracted approximately 70% more viewers than the CNN debate.

The town hall, which saw Trump in a relaxed setting, starkly contrasted with the sharp exchanges between DeSantis and Haley on CNN. As the GOP contenders clashed over policy differences, Trump used the opportunity to connect with his base in a more informal environment.

While the turnout for the DeSantis-Haley debate was substantial, early Nielsen ratings reveal that Trump's appearance on Fox News was the clear winner in terms of viewership numbers. This disparity underscores the continuing influence of the former president within the Republican party and among conservative voters.

The high viewership for Trump's town hall also indicates the ongoing interest in his political commentary and potential future plans. Despite not being directly involved in the debate, Trump's presence in the political landscape remains significant.

This development has sparked conversations about media influence, viewer preferences, and the current state of US politics. As the 2024 election approaches, these factors will likely continue to shape the political discourse.