Former President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will vote against a Florida ballot measure that seeks to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution. This decision comes just a day after his comments on abortion restrictions sparked backlash among some of his evangelical supporters.
In a TV interview with Fox News, Trump clarified his stance, stating that while he disagrees with the six-week abortion ban imposed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state’s Republicans, he cannot support Amendment 4. He cited his opposition to what he described as the “radical” abortion access favored by Democrats.
Trump’s Position on Abortion Under Scrutiny
Trump’s recent remarks seemed aimed at damage control following an earlier interview where he appeared to moderate his views on abortion. In that interview, he criticized the six-week ban and suggested he might vote in favor of Amendment 4 in the upcoming November election. However, his campaign later clarified that he had not yet decided how he would vote.
Trump’s shifting stance drew a swift response from Vice President Kamala Harris, who highlighted his willingness to uphold an extreme abortion ban. Harris tweeted, “Trump just made his position on abortion very clear: He will vote to uphold an abortion ban so extreme it applies before many women even know they are pregnant.”
Evangelical Reaction and Anti-Abortion Support
Some evangelical supporters expressed concern over Trump’s initial comments on the six-week ban. However, anti-abortion groups welcomed his latest decision to oppose Amendment 4. Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life Action, expressed satisfaction, stating that Trump “listened to the pro-life generation and a large base of conservative voters.”
Amendment 4 was introduced as a response to the six-week ban, which was implemented after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. If passed, the amendment would guarantee the right to abortion in Florida until the fetus is viable or if necessary to protect the health of the mother.
Impact on the Upcoming Election
As the November election approaches, Trump’s stance on abortion is likely to play a significant role in the race. Natasha Sutherland, spokesperson for the Amendment 4 campaign, downplayed Trump’s influence, asserting that Floridians will ultimately decide the issue based on their personal beliefs and the state’s current laws.
“Regardless of what politicians say or do each day, when it comes to Amendment 4, the truth today is the same as the truth yesterday,” Sutherland said. “Floridians have a choice between the state’s current extreme abortion ban and voting ‘Yes’ on 4 to overturn that ban and get politicians out of our exam rooms.”
COMMENTS