Former President Trump hinted on Tuesday that he might back a ban on abortions at 15 weeks, setting a potential stance on a topic that has energized Democrats after Roe v. Wade ended.
“We will determine a specific time – and perhaps we can unite the nation on this issue,” Trump said. said on the “Sid & Friends in the Morning” show on WABC.
“The current consensus is around 15 weeks, and I'm considering that as well. It will result in a very reasonable decision. Even those with firm beliefs seem to agree on 15 weeks. but I will announce it at the right time.
Trump also repeated his support for exceptions in cases of the mother's life, rape, and incest, while criticizing Democrats as “radical” on the matter. He also emphasized the political challenges of an extreme abortion ban.
“If you don't win the elections you're going to end up being back where you started on this issue,” Trump added.
Trump, the likely Republican presidential nominee, has avoided directly answering whether he would sign a national abortion ban if reelected, instead claiming that he would find a solution to unify the country on a highly divisive issue. He has attributed Republicans’ midterm performance in 2022 to their messaging on abortion.
At the same time, Trump has repeatedly stated that he played a role in ending Roe v. Wade by appointing three conservative Supreme Court justices.
The New York Times reported earlier this month that Trump has informed advisers and allies of his preference for a 16-week abortion ban with exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother. Democrats immediately used the report as proof that Trump would seek a national abortion ban if he is reelected.
The Biden campaign has repeatedly tied state-level restrictions on abortion to Trump and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and abortion has been an energizing issue for Democratic voters. The party road anger over abortion restrictions to electoral victories in the Virginia legislative elections and the Kentucky gubernatorial race last November.
