The Trump campaign was quick to clarify the former president’s comments after he said he was open to expanding abortion access in Florida in an upcoming referendum.
Florida bans almost all abortions after six weeks and, when asked how he would vote on a measure that would extend the limit beyond 20 weeks, Trump told DailyMail.com: “I want more than six weeks.”
In a referendum that offers voters a simple yes or no, her response horrified allies of the anti-abortion movement.
And his campaign cleaned up shop Thursday night.
“President Trump has not yet said how he will vote on the Florida ballot initiative, simply reiterating that he believes six weeks is too short,” said Karoline Leavitt, national press secretary for the Trump campaign.
Donald Trump said he has already decided how he will vote in Florida’s upcoming referendum on banning abortions at six weeks gestation. “I think six weeks is a mistake,” he said. “And I’ll say that soon, but I want more than six weeks.”
Trump has walked a narrow path on this issue, knowing that it could be key to the 2024 election.
During his administration he was happy to be seen as the most pro-life president in history.
He took credit for ending federal abortion protections after the Supreme Court (including three of his picks) overturned Roe v Wade.
But he has since expressed concern that Republicans could be beaten at the polls if they push hardline federal bans.
Instead, he said it was up to the states to decide the matter.
But when his home state of Florida votes in November on Amendment 4, which would allow abortions up to the point of “viability” — when fetuses can survive outside the mother’s womb — he can’t help but explain his personal position for good.
He made a public revelation on the issue when DailyMail.com asked him how he would vote.
“I think six weeks is a mistake. And I’ll say that soon, but I want more than six weeks,” he said at his Mar-a-Lago home, speaking for the first time about his thoughts on the referendum.
“And in Florida, we have a six-week program, and that’s what I think they’re voting for, and I think it should be longer than six weeks.”
The Trump campaign issued a statement clarifying its position.
Democrats are putting abortion referendums on the ballot in November in several states
There is no alternative to yes or no, delighting women’s right to choose advocates who took to social media to voice their support.
He said the same thing in a second television interview a day later.
But a key anti-abortion leader immediately contacted Trump to verify his position.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said Trump told her he had not yet made a commitment on how he would vote.
“President Trump has consistently opposed abortions after five months of pregnancy. Amendment 4 would allow abortion after that point. Voting in favor of Amendment 4 completely undermines his position,” she said.
Trump fueled concerns among his anti-abortion allies with this post last week when he used the language of opponents when referring to women and their “reproductive rights.”
‘We strongly support Florida’s current heartbeat law. Those who agree with the idea of drawing a different limit should vote against Amendment 4 unless they want no limit at all. Amendment 4 would block unlimited abortion in the state constitution, preventing the Florida legislature from enacting changes.’
Florida’s hardline abortion law was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year.
“Donald Trump has consistently stated that late-term abortions where the baby can feel pain should never be allowed, and he has always defended the rights of parents,” said Taryn Fenske, communications director for the governor’s office.
‘Amendment 4 would allow late-term abortions, eliminate parental consent and open the door to taxpayer-funded abortions. It is extreme and must be defeated.’