Donald Trump faces backlash from anti-abortion activists after he refrains from committing to national abortion restrictions and criticizes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' signing of a six-week abortion ban as a "terrible mistake."
Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday, Trump declined to state whether he would support a federal ban on abortion. He expressed that he could accept the procedure being banned at the state or federal level, but leaned towards favoring state-level decision-making from a legal standpoint.
Regarding DeSantis' signed bill, Trump remarked, "I think what he did is a terrible thing and a terrible mistake," referring to the ban on abortions before many women realize they are pregnant.
Trump's direct criticism of DeSantis, whom he has viewed as a primary rival, could potentially impact DeSantis' campaign and standings.
DeSantis responded, affirming his pride in signing the Florida legislation, which he regards as "noble and just." He also criticized Trump's stance on working with both sides on abortion policy, cautioning that pro-lifers may be let down.
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina accused Trump of retracting on the issue of a national abortion ban during a campaign stop in Iowa. Scott emphasized that pro-life advocates need clearer support.
The country's largest anti-abortion organization, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, swiftly released a statement affirming their stance for a national ban on abortions at 15 weeks of pregnancy. They emphasized the need for candidates to articulate their plans to advocate for children and mothers.
The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade transferred the authority to regulate abortion to individual states, resulting in a diverse set of abortion laws across the U.S.
Trump's approach to abortion policy has been politically oriented, viewing the Supreme Court's decision as an opportunity for conservatives to negotiate new restrictions. He contends that pushing for abortion restrictions negatively impacted the GOP in the 2022 midterms.
Banning abortion at six weeks, as enacted in Florida, is met with disapproval from the U.S. public, with the majority believing abortion should be permitted up to six weeks of pregnancy, according to a June poll conducted by Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
In Iowa, where evangelicals and social conservatives hold significant influence in Republican caucuses, the majority favors stringent abortion restrictions.
Trump's comments on abortion have prompted mixed reactions within the GOP, with some expressing disappointment and others seeking further clarification on his stance.