
Former President Donald Trump delivered a message to two influential social conservative groups on Friday, emphasizing the need for better communication within the Republican Party on the issue of abortion. Trump’s remarks were made at the leadership summit of the Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee in Washington, D.C., and the Family Research Council and FRC Action’s annual Pray, Vote, Stand conference in the same city.
During his address, Trump stressed the importance of addressing the topic of abortion with care and precision. He stated, “We can win elections on this issue, but it’s very delicate, and explaining it properly is an extremely important thing. You have to be able to speak and explain it properly. A lot of politicians who are pro-life don’t know how to discuss this topic.”
Trump reiterated these concerns at the Family Research Council conference, emphasizing that abortion would be an “issue” in the upcoming midterms and that “explaining it properly is very important.”
Furthermore, he pointed out that many politicians “don’t know how to talk about it” and cautioned that “if they don’t speak about it correctly, they’re not going to win.”
These remarks come one year after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a landmark Supreme Court decision on abortion rights. The issue of abortion continues to divide the Republican Party, with varying opinions on the extent to which candidates should advocate for abortion restrictions. Some Republican leaders, including Trump himself, have expressed concerns that stringent anti-abortion policies and unclear messaging on the topic had political costs in the 2022 midterms.
Trump, who has frequently described himself as the “most pro-life” president in history and highlights his role in appointing three Supreme Court justices who contributed to overturning Roe v. Wade, has been hesitant to provide specifics on his stance. However, he has been clear in his belief that some Republican positions on abortion have been “too harsh.”
Despite pressure from anti-abortion leaders, Trump has yet to endorse a federal abortion ban. However, he stated during his Friday night speeches that conservatives now have the power to “negotiate” at the state level. He also emphasized his support for exceptions to abortion bans, such as in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is at risk.
Throughout his speeches, Trump highlighted his conservative record during his presidency, which included moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and reinstating the Mexico City Policy, which prevents U.S. federal funds from being used for abortions and was revoked by President Joe Biden.
Trump’s presence at these events underscores the significant influence of evangelical conservative Christian voters on the Republican nominating process, particularly in states like Iowa, which hosts the first-in-the-nation caucuses. Trump is set to visit Eastern Iowa soon to meet with volunteers and address supporters.
In national Republican primary polls, Trump maintains a substantial lead over other candidates, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who also appeared at both events on Friday.
DeSantis signed a six-week abortion ban into law but has not explicitly expressed support for federal restrictions. On the other hand, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has taken a more moderate approach, advocating for “consensus” on the abortion issue. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and former Vice President Mike Pence have both called for Republican candidates to embrace a 15-week federal abortion ban.
Pence, speaking at the Family Research Council event on Friday, suggested that Republicans, including Trump, “are trying to marginalize the cause of life.” He expressed concerns over Trump’s refusal to endorse a 15-week national abortion ban and his attribution of election losses in 2022 to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
According to polling data, a majority of Americans support abortion rights until at least six weeks into a pregnancy.
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