Trump uncommitted on Florida abortion ballot that would overturn 6-week ban
Former President Trump has not decided how he will vote on a Florida ballot initiative that would bar future state legislation limiting abortion access and overturn the state's current abortion ban.
Earlier in August, Trump said in a press conference that he would be speaking more on the initiative in Florida, where he lives, "at some point in the near future." In the three weeks since making those remarks, he has yet to speak extensively about the measure.
On Thursday, however, Trump gave a hint at where his thoughts are. When asked about the amendment, Trump said, "I think the six week is too short, there has to be more time."
Abortion is currently banned in Florida after six weeks, before most women know they're pregnant. Exceptions for rape and incest are included in the law.
After being pressed on whether he plans to vote in favor of the amendment, given his opposition to the six-week ban, Trump said, "I am going to be voting that we need more than six weeks."
"Look, just so you understand, everyone wanted Roe v. Wade terminated for years. Fifty-two years. I got it done; they wanted it to go back to the States," Trump added. "Exceptions are very important for me, for Ronald Reagan, for others that have navigated this very, very interesting and difficult path."
While his answers appeared to imply at least that he wasn't opposed to the amendment, his campaign swiftly clarified that he hasn't committed to voting for or against the initiative.
"President Trump has not yet said how he will vote on the ballot initiative in Florida; he simply reiterated that he believes six weeks is too short," said Karoline Leavitt, Trump Campaign National Press Secretary.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, reiterated that Trump was still uncommitted.
“I spoke with President Trump this evening. He has not committed to how he will vote on Amendment 4. President Trump has consistently opposed abortions after five months of pregnancy. Amendment 4 would allow abortion past this point. Voting for Amendment 4 completely undermines his position," Dannenfelser said.
Abortion access has been a politically poisonous issue for Republicans since the overturning of Roe in 2022. Republican candidates have sought to neutralize their anti-abortion positions after ballot measures supporting abortion access passed in several states.
The Harris-Walz campaign has sought to capitalize on this momentum, consistently labeling state-level abortion bans as "Trump's Abortion Bans."
"Donald Trump and his Project 2025 agenda would ban abortion nationwide and rip reproductive freedoms from women across the country. Vice President Harris and Governor Walz are the only candidates who will protect our fundamental rights and freedoms," the campaign said in a statement last week.
Date: | |
Tag: | Donald Trump |
-
The Hill - Politics
Dems bank on boost from Florida's abortion and marijuana ballot measures
Two Florida ballot measures on abortion and recreational marijuana are turning the state's elections upside down, worrying Republicans while giving Democrats hope in this year's presidential battle ...4 hours ago - Abortion -
Yahoo Sports - Sports
Week 3 Overreaction: Florida and Florida State fans are down bad & Travis Hunter for Heisman
Who should be feeling worse right now, Florida or Florida State fans? Dan Wetzel, Ross Dellenger and SI's Pat Forde react to more disappointing performances for the Seminoles and Gators in their ...16 hours ago - Florida -
CBS News - Top stories
Trump "safe" after incident being investigated as assassination attempt
Former President Donald Trump is "safe and unharmed" and a suspect is in custody after allegedly pointing a high-powered rifle through golf course fence, officials say.18 hours ago - Donald Trump -
The New York Times - Top stories
Trump Safe After Shooting Reported at His Golf Course in Florida
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said there had been a shooting “on the grounds” of Mr. Trump’s course there while the former president was at the club.18 hours ago - Donald Trump -
Financial Times - Business
FBI probes second apparent Trump assassination attempt
Republican ex-president is safe after potential gunman apprehended in Florida5 hours ago - Donald Trump -
BBC News - Top stories
Trump rushed to safety and suspect held after man spotted with rifle
A gunman pointed a rifle at the former president on his Florida golf course, in what the FBI calls an apparent assassination attempt.11 hours ago - Donald Trump -
CNBC - Business
Trump safe, suspect in custody as FBI investigates apparent 'attempted assassination'
U.S. Secret Service officers fired shots at a gunman located near the property line of Donald Trump's golf course in Florida.29 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
CBS News - Top stories
Authorities provide update after shots fired in Trump's vicinity in Florida
Authorities provided an update after gunshots were fired in the vicinity of former President Donald Trump in West Palm Beach, Florida. A suspect who had a high-powered rifle near a golf course ...16 hours ago - Florida -
CBS News - Top stories
Suspect arrested in potential assassination attempt on Trump at Florida golf course
The FBI is investigating an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump that comes two months after an attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. Officials say while Trump was playing ...1 hour ago - Donald Trump -
CBS Sports - Sports
College football odds, picks, predictions for Week 4, 2024: Proven model backs Florida State in best bets
SportsLine's advanced computer model has revealed its 2024 Week 4 college football picks2 hours ago - College Football
More from The Hill
-
The Hill - Politics
'October surprise': Democrats will have down-ballot reasons to cheer
Democrats are outperforming predictions in Senate and House races, potentially leading to a strong showing for Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race, and a chance for meaningful ...37 minutes ago -
The Hill - Politics
Democrats are reclaiming the flag — and it’s about time
It's time for all Americans to take it back and display it as the symbol it was meant to be: the flag of one nation, indivisible.1 hour ago -
The Hill - Politics
Congressional task force requests Secret Service briefing
The heads of a congressional task force said Sunday they had requested a briefing from the Secret Service in the wake of another apparent assassination attempt against former President Trump. "The ...1 hour ago -
The Hill - Politics
Kamala Harris clearly won the debate. But will it matter?
Ultimately, the data highlights the fact that Harris’s debate performance, while impressive, is unlikely to drastically turn the tides in her favor.1 hour ago - Kamala Harris -
The Hill - Politics
Trump thanks law enforcement for 'incredible job' after assassination attempt
Former President Trump thanked law enforcement late Sunday for what he called an “incredible job” after another apparent assassination attempt. “I would like to thank everyone for your concern and ...2 hours ago - Donald Trump